Some may say it’s not especially noteworthy when a standout player is voted one of his team’s captains.
But in the case of Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict, it’s another sign of how far he’s come in three NFL seasons.
The 23-year-old Burfict, who went undrafted in 2012, was selected as one of Cincinnati’s six captains this week, Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com noted in a story published Friday.
“I feel like I’ve earned it and I feel like I’ve to be a role model for the young guys and lead by example,” Burfict said of the honor, according to Bengals.com.
Hobson, a long-time team observer, noted that Burfict regularly arrives at the club’s facilities around 6 a.m. to start his workday.
“I get to think before everybody else thinks. I wake up, pray, listen to my Bible verses, get in the cold tub, work out. I get my stuff done,” Burfict told Bengals.com.
The Bengals recently signed Burfict to a three-year contract extension. Given his play on the field and the respect he seems to be commanding from his teammates, it’s logical to see why Cincinnati wants him as a core player for years to come.
