Brian Burns has shared the New York Giants defensive line with Kayvon Thibodeaux for two seasons now. On Monday at mandatory minicamp, the veteran edge rusher made his feelings clear. Burns called Thibodeaux’s development as a player and a person “really inspirational.”
The 28-year-old Burns enters his eighth NFL season with nothing but respect for the younger teammate. He spoke plainly to reporters at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center.
“I’m so proud of Thibs,” Burns said. “I don’t want to sound all sentimental and whatever, but just the man he is, and he’s becoming, the way he handles his business. It’s something that’s really inspirational.”
Thibodeaux Battles Back From Injury
Thibodeaux arrived in New York as the fifth overall pick in the 2022 draft. The former Oregon standout flashed big potential early. Then came the setbacks.
A shoulder injury cut his 2025 season short after just 10 games. He finished with 25 combined tackles, including 13 solo stops, and 2.5 sacks before the Giants placed him on injured reserve.
Now healthy, Thibodeaux looks to bounce back in a big way. He will line up alongside Burns and the newly acquired rookie Arvell Reese. That trio gives the Giants one of the more intriguing edge groups in the league heading into the 2026 campaign.
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Burns Delivers Career Year
Burns backed up his words with his own production. He played all 17 games for the second straight season and posted career highs across the board.
Here is how the two edge rushers stacked up in 2025:
| Player | Games | Combined Tackles (Solo) | Sacks | Forced Fumbles | Fumble Recoveries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kayvon Thibodeaux | 10 | 25 (13) | 2.5 | — | — |
| Brian Burns | 17 | 67 (39) | 16.5 | 3 | 1 |
Burns earned his third Pro Bowl nod and showed why the Giants invested heavily in him. His presence gives Thibodeaux a veteran to lean on and learn from every day.
The Human Side of the Growth
Burns did not just praise production. He highlighted how Thibodeaux carries himself away from the field. That kind of endorsement from a three-time Pro Bowler carries weight in a locker room.
You could hear the genuine admiration in Burns’ voice when he spoke. It was not coach-speak. It was a leader recognizing another man putting in the work through adversity.
Thibodeaux has dealt with the physical grind that comes with the position. He has also faced the scrutiny that follows a high draft pick. Watching him push through the shoulder issue and return focused clearly left an impression on Burns.
Loaded Edge Room Ready for 2026
The Giants added Reese in the draft to deepen the room even further. Burns, Thibodeaux, and the rookie now form a versatile group that can rotate and stay fresh. Opposing offensive lines will have to account for multiple pass-rush threats on every down.
Burns has seen Thibodeaux’s trajectory up close. The veteran likes what he sees in both the player and the person. That kind of internal buy-in often translates to better on-field results when the pads come on for real in September.
The Giants defensive line has the tools to cause problems for offenses next season. How Thibodeaux channels this fresh start will go a long way toward determining just how disruptive that unit becomes.