Concussions Force Former Vikings WR Stephen Burton to Retire

Aug 9, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Stephen Burton (11) looks on from the sidelines during the third quarter against the Houston Texans at the Metrodome. The Texans won 27-13. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

The end of the road has come for former Vikings receiver Stephen Burton, and concussions are to blame. The Jaguars on Wednesday placed Burton on the reserve-retired list reports Aaron Wilson.

Jacksonville brought Burton in last year to compete for a spot in their receiver rotation after he was let go by the Vikings, and it looked for awhile like he might have a legit shot, especially after Justin Blackmon’s suspension, but a pair of head injuries landed Burton on season-ending IR.

Burton was originally taken out of West Texas A&M by Minnesota in the seventh round of the 2011 draft. He spent the next couple years in Minnesota always on the verge of being cut, but always managing to stick around at least as a practice squad player.

Burton’s best chance to accumulate playing time came in 2012, when he ascended to the blocking receiver role in Bill Musgrave‘s offense. He caught his first and only career touchdown that year against the Indianapolis Colts on a fluke tipped ball off the hands of Kyle Rudolph.

He entered camp in 2013 in a battle with Joe Webb to retain a roster spot, but ultimately lost out, being released on August 31 as part of final cuts. The Jaguars picked him up off waivers on September 1.

Burton never really got a chance to do anything with Jacksonville, and he saw his last shot slip away after his second concussion sent him to IR.

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