North Carolina State Star DJ Burns Responds To NFL Speculation

DJ Burns doesn't seem overly interested in taking a shot at the NFL.

Burns and the North Carolina State Wolfpack are in the Final Four after an incredible run that included an impressive upset win over Duke.

Next up is Purdue, but Burns is already drawing attention from an entirely different sport before facing the Boilermakers and Zach Edey:

The NFL.

DJ Burns responds to NFL speculation.

Peter Schrager dropped a report Monday that some teams might be interested in Burns as an offensive lineman if basketball doesn't work out.

While some in the NFL might be interested, it doesn't seem like Burns is overly invested in the idea.

"I'd probably explore some other options with basketball first before all of that but I'm not a closed-minded person," Burns told Dan Patrick during a Tuesday interview when asked about the reports and if the NBA doesn't work out.

Yeah, not exactly bubbling with enthusiasm for throwing on the pads and trying to play in the NFL. You can watch his full comments below, and hit me with your thoughts at David.Hoosktead@outkick.com.

Burns' response is the correct one. While a lot of people might think he should be flattered by the NFL interest, it really doesn't make sense, even if the NBA doesn't work out.

The North Carolina State star isn't a football player. He's a basketball player. The odds of him successfully learning how to be an OT in the NFL and cashing in on it are incredibly low.

However, he could immediately go to Europe and earn a lot of money playing in a solid league. Top players that end up in Europe out of college can score deals north of $300,000. Burns could command that kind of money without much issue.

After a couple good seasons in a premier European league, and he could easily be making high six figures. He could also look to play in China or South Korea, where deals are lucrative. Americans make millions in China and around $500,000 a year in South Korea. Burns is absolutely capable of playing in either country.

Should he try to pursue a completely different sport with no guaranteed money coming his way, or get a quick payday in Europe or Asia. The answer is simple:

Stick with basketball.

DJ Burns doesn't sound overly interested in the NFL. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) 

It's what has made Burns successful so far, and you dance with who brought you. Let me know what you think at David.Hookstead@outkick.com.