NASHVILLE – Treylon Burks headed into the 2023 season with plenty of momentum.
Then, in joint practices with the Vikings in Minnesota last August, a knee injury set him back, and slowed him down.
Later in the season, Burks suffered another setback in a game against the Steelers. A concussion resulted in him being carted off the field that night in Pittsburgh, and it kept him out of action for weeks.
As Burks reflected in his second NFL season, he admits it wasn't easy.
"The knee injury was probably the hardest one for me, just because of how hard I had trained throughout the offseason," Burks said at the end of the year. "But having faith in God, my wife, family, teammates, it made it a lot easier for me to deal with it."
Burks is now preparing for Year 3, and his mindset is clear.
"Go in, make sure I am taking care of my body, and being on top of the details," Burks said. "I want to come back, and keep it rolling."
A first-round pick of the Titans in the 2022 NFL Draft, Burks played in 11 games, with nine starts, in 2023 and tallied 16 catches for 221 yards. Burks caught 33 passes for 444 yards and a touchdown in his rookie season in 2022.
At the NFL Combine last week, Titans General Manager Ran Carthon and head coach Brian Callahan were both asked about Burks, and their thoughts on him moving forward.
"The injury thing, the concussion thing, was a real deal," Carthon said of Burks. "I think we all saw that from the Pittsburgh game. Those are the kinds of things you can't really prevent. But I do know Treylon is off this offseason, training with D-Hop (DeAndre Hopkins) and some other pros around the league, which I think will be good for him to see how other pros prepare and get ready for the season, so he can add that to his game. I've seen a couple clips of him running routes and doing stuff in the offseason. And for him, it's an offseason where he's not trying to get healthy. He can work on perfecting his craft as opposed to trying to get back to get healthy."
Callahan spoke about Burks, and his potential.
"I do like some of the traits that Treylon has shown on tape," Callahan said. "There's some things and I'm excited to work with. And then he's got to do his part when it comes down to taking care of yourself and making sure he's ready to roll when we start. But, (Treylon is a) talented player, and one that's got some development to go. … I'm excited about what Treylon could bring for us once he comes in the building."
Burks said he planned to do everything in his power to stay healthy, knowing he can't control everything.
And while it hasn't been smooth sailing since he entered the NFL, Burks said he's thankful for the experiences, good and bad.
"It's God's decision, and you can never go against His plan," Burks said. "I know it's been ups and downs to it. But I am grateful for it, blessed. Just be thankful, and work as hard as you can.
"And just come back healthy next year, and be ready to roll."
