Burton attended Manhattan High School, where he was a two-way player at wide receiver and cornerback. As a junior, he became a starter at both positions, tallying 244 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns.
As a senior, he broke one of his thumbs, but still managed to keep playing. He collected 20 receptions for 327 yards, 5 receiving touchdowns, 216 rushing yards, 3 rushing touchdowns and 2 interceptions. He also received first-team All-Centennial League and All-state honors for his production at defensive back.[2]
College career
Burton accepted a football scholarship from Kansas State University. As a sophomore, he was named a starter at wide receiver during the season, posting 17 receptions for 171 yards.
As a junior, he tallied 38 receptions for 510 yards and 4 touchdowns. Against West Virginia University, he had 5 catches for 135 yards, including a 77-yard touchdown, while earning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week honors.
As a senior, he registered 29 receptions for 404 yards and one touchdown. He finished his college career with 84 receptions for 1,085 yards and 5 touchdowns, becoming the school’s 29th career 1,000-yard receiver.
He signed a reserve/future contract with the Falcons on January 15, 2018.[6] On September 1, he was released by the Falcons and was signed to the practice squad the next day.[7][8] He was promoted to the active roster on September 4.[9] He played in the season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles and had one special teams tackle. He was waived on September 10, 2018.[10]
Green Bay Packers
On September 11, 2018, Burton was claimed off waivers by the Green Bay Packers.[11] He was declared inactive for the second game against the Minnesota Vikings. He was waived on September 19.[12]
Atlanta Falcons (second stint)
On September 25, 2018, Burton was signed to the Atlanta Falcons' practice squad.[13]
Houston Texans
On October 31, 2018, Burton was signed by the Houston Texans off the Falcons practice squad, to provide depth because of injuries.[14] He appeared in 2 games as a backup. He was waived on August 26, 2019.[15]
On September 5, 2020, Burton was waived by the Cowboys and signed to the practice squad the next day.[18][19] He was elevated to the active roster on September 26 and November 26 for the team's weeks 3 and 12 games against the Seattle Seahawks and Washington Football Team, and reverted to the practice squad after each game.[20][21] He was signed to the active roster on December 7, 2020.[22] He was placed on injured reserve on December 19, 2020.[23]
On August 31, 2021, Burton was waived by the Cowboys and re-signed to the practice squad the next day.[24][25] He was released on December 15.
Tennessee Titans
On August 13, 2022, Burton signed with the Tennessee Titans, but was waived three days later.[26]