The average NFL fullback in the league doesn’t have many plays run specifically for them, instead serving as a lead blocker for running backs and extra protection for quarterbacks. That’s the case for Kansas City Chiefs FB Michael Burton, who was involved in fewer than 10% of the team’s offensive snaps in 2021.
Burton is blocking for some new faces this season. After Sunday’s practice, he discussed some of those new running backs, including his mentorship to a new rookie teammate and fellow Scarlet Knights alumnus Isiah Pacheco.
“I’ll say this first and foremost, they’re all great backs. So they make my job a lot easier, “said Burton. “That’s for sure. That’s first and foremost. And secondly, yeah, it’s nice to know you got a guy like (Isiah) Pacheco, who’s got a lot of juice out of the stance. So maybe you’ve got to make sure you get out of there a little bit quicker and stuff like that. Where maybe a back that’s a little bit more patient, he’s going to read it through. So then you have a little bit more time to read through as well.
“So I like to get feedback from them and what they want. I’m out there to help them succeed the best they can. So it’s just a lot of communication back and forth.”
Burton, as he told Chiefs Wire back in May, did have familiarity with Pacheco before he arrived in Kansas City. They didn’t have the opportunity to play together in New Brunswick, but Burton had met Pacheco in his trips back to visit the Scarlet Knights.
“I knew a little bit about him (Pacheco) prior, just having played at Rutgers,” said Burton. “You know, when I went back a few years ago, when he was at Rutgers, I came back for some spring practices. I thought, ‘Okay, this kid’s got some juice.’ He’s strong and powerful, he can run. A good kid who wants to learn. So he’s been exciting to watch out here. And he’s been doing a great job.”
Burton was drafted in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL draft by the Detroit Lions. After Pacheco was drafted, the two reconnected quickly and Burton has been helping the rookie ever since.
“When he got drafted, he reached out to me,” said Burton. “We communicated a little bit, and I tried to prep him just for rookie minicamp, OTAs, and what to expect in training camp. And just the life as a rookie, you know, it can be tough at times. So just trying to help (Isiah Pacheco) out any way I can.”
With all of the hype that the seventh-round rookie has been getting during training camp, Burton’s veteran wisdom has clearly made an impact on the rookie.
