Joe Gaiter: What does football mean to you?
Joshua Burris:Football is not just a game, for me it taught me life lessons as well as develop character and self-discipline. Football gave me an opportunity to earn a degree and to showcase my talents on and off the field such as leadership, teamwork, and hard work things I can use in my career field in the future.
Joe Gaiter: What is your motivation for playing the game?
Joshua Burris: My motivation is playing for the Glory of the Lord who gave me the ability to play this game I love. Also to prove to myself that I can play at a high level when people told me I couldn’t play at all.
Joe Gaiter: Tell us about your season this year?
Joshua Burris: This season at Maritime was the second best season in program history going 9-2 with back to back bowl game appearance. I feel that we are leaving a tradition as well as a legacy for the future of the football program. I also made 2nd team All-Conference defensive back.
Joe Gaiter: What makes you ready for the NFL?
Joshua Burris: Being able to train and be mentored around NFL veterans JJ McCleskey and Aeneas Williams put me in a position to gain wisdom but perfect the art of hard work! Coach McCleskey would always tell me you can’t hide hard work and also having the favor of God on your side you things will always fall into place.
Joe Gaiter: Who would you compare your football skills to that currently plays in the NFL?
Joshua Burris: Right now I’m like Marshon Lattimore. He likes playing man to man coverage. He’s a competitor just like me and also is a technician on the field.
Joe Gaiter: Who is your agent and why did you chose them?
Joshua Burris: Currently don’t have an agent right now but hoping to find one soon!
Joe Gaiter: Do you have any regrets over your college career?
Joshua Burris: Absolutely not! It was the best time of my life many people don’t get the chance to play on Saturdays. I got the chance to travel the world and meet some unbelievable people.
Joe Gaiter: Describe yourself in 3 words.
Joshua Burris: Persistence, competitor, and hard worker.
Joe Gaiter: Tell us about the bond you have with your teammates?
Joshua Burris: I had great teammates during my college career. I have some brothers for life!
Joe Gaiter: If you could go back to your freshman year, what would you do differently?
Joshua Burris: I would pay attention to detail of my game and spend more time in the film room.
Joe Gaiter: What separates you from other athletes that play your same position?
Joshua Burris: My off season training. I push myself to the max so fall camp I’m ready to go with no hesitation! Also take my recovery very seriously with flexibility and nutrition to be able to play at a high level.
What has your biggest accomplishment?
Joshua Burris: This year to be able to lead my team in prayer every week was the best accomplishment to me. To be able to spread the love of God on my teammates was a unexplainable feeling!
Joe Gaiter: Do you have a backup plan if you don’t make it to the NFL?
Joshua Burris: Definitely the reason for choosing Maritime College was to be able to have the opportunity to go pro and be able to have a career after football. I’m in the license program to where I will obtain a degree in Maritime studies with a 3rd mates unlimited license.
Joe Gaiter: When is your proday?
Joshua Burris: Mid April.
Joe Gaiter: Where and how often are you training?
Joshua Burris: I will be training at D1 under the leadership of Jason De Melo and Alex Williams. Over the next few months! Perfecting combine drills and strengthening my body.
Joe Gaiter: What do you want your legacy to be?
Joshua Burris: I want people to remember me as a person that never gave up. I wasn’t the biggest, strongest, fastest athlete but I worked hard and God placed me in position to showcase my talents around the nation. From traveling 3,000 miles away from home to sleeping on concrete floors because I was willing to do whatever it takes to be successful.
Joe Gaiter: Final Words?
Joshua Burris: I just want to thank God for allowing me the opportunity to be in the presence of NFL/ CFL scouts and be able to travel the world playing football on Saturday’s. Also would like to thank my family, coaches, and teammates for always being there during this process.
Follow me @BeingJoshBurris on Instagram and Twitter.
