It’s safe to say that the Denver Broncos overachieved in the 2024 NFL season. Bo Nix exceeded expectations in his rookie year, and Sean Payton proved he’s the right man to lead the team. Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid still dominated the AFC West en route to another Super Bowl appearance with the Kansas City Chiefs, but the Broncos proved they could challenge for the division title in the years to come.
Aiming to build on a strong campaign, the Broncos are bringing back a player who’s been in the Mile High city since Payton took charge of the team in 2023―after working together on the New Orleans Saints.
On Wednesday, the Broncos announced that they re-signed fullback Michael Burton for the 2025 NFL season, bringing him back for a third consecutive year. The 33-year-old will continue to provide veteran presence to the offense led by Nix.
Having played in all 34 games for the Broncos in the last two years (five starts), Burton recorded 14 carries for 17 yards and a rushing score apart from 13 receptions for 73 yards and a receiving touchdown.
Burton’s experience in the NFL and the Super Bowl ring with Chiefs
A player who contributes both on offense and special teams, Burton is entering his 11th season in the NFL. A fifth-round pick out of Rutgers in 2015, he spent his first two years with the Detroit Lions before starting to bounce around the league.
His time in the Motor City was followed by stints with the Chicago Bears (2017-18), Washington Commanders (2019), and New Orleans Saints (2020); but the highlight of his career came with the Chiefs (2021-22).
Burton got to celebrate Super Bowl LVII with Mahomes and Reid, in a season where he appeared in every single game, including all 17 regular season games and the three playoff matches.
Familiar faces staying with Nix, Payton’s Broncos
Burton, however, is just one of many players from last season who are staying in Denver. Apart from the fullback, the Broncos are bringing back quarterback Jarrett Stidham to continue serving as Nix’s backup, among other contract extensions.
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Payton will also continue to work with defensive tackle D.J. Jones, long snapper Mitchell Fraboni, tackle Matt Peart, and inside linebacker Justin Strnad in 2025, hoping to improve the Wild Card finish from last year.