Brian Burns doing it all for his nephew, autism awareness

playHow will John Harbaugh-led Giants handle adversity? (0:52)Kimberley A. Martin talks about how John Harbaugh's experience will help guide the Giants. (0:52) Brian Burns was caught off guard mid-interview last week while being honored for his work in the community at the 33rd annual Gridiron Gala. The Pro Bowl outside linebacker couldn't believe the information he'd been given about his standing on the New York Giants. "Brian, feel a little different you're the only returning captain on the defense?" a reporter asked. "You're the longest-tenured starter on this defense." Burns' face said it all. He turned sharply to the reporter in utter surprise. His brows raised and his eyes darted to the sky as he contemplated the unexpected statement. After a few seconds, reality sunk in. It's true. After Dexter Lawrence II was traded to the Cincinnati Bengals last month, Burns is now the Giants' longest-tenured defensive starter. Mind you, he is only entering his third season with the team. "Wow, I am!" Burns said in a voilà moment while pointing at the reporter. "That's crazy." It's no wonder given his status on the defense and standing with his teammates that Burns was being honored last week for his work in the community and with Brian Burns Family Charities. He's also hosting a charitable celebrity softball game on May 30, where a large contingent of current Giants teammates and legends are scheduled to participate. The event is expected to attract a sizable crowd. It poses as an opportunity to develop team camaraderie and bring the community together, according to Burns. Such events have opened doors for Burns to showcase what drives him. He's doing it all with his nephew and autism awareness in mind. "It's part of my purpose," he said, "because this is my family!" STANLEY McCLOVER IS a former NFL player. He played in 14 games for the Carolina Panthers and Houston Texans from 2006 to 2009. He also is Burns' older brother. It's McClover's son, 8-year-old Champ, who was diagnosed with non-verbal autism and in turn has helped define Burns' purpose on and off the field. Together, Burns and McClover have made it their business to raise autism awareness through the Hype 4 Life Foundation, which is part of Brian Burns Family Charities. "I'm going to be honest, man. Outside of him being my brother, this is one of the most special things a man can do for another man and his child. I support him wholeheartedly and unconditionally," McClover said. "I'm so thankful that he took on the responsibility of getting the word out there about autism and just standing in the forefront and helping other families. ... I'm just super proud of him." Champ was diagnosed at age 2 during Burns' second season in the NFL. Burns was a first-round pick (No. 16) by the Panthers in the 2019 NFL draft. McClover originally said he was "in denial" over Champ's diagnosis despite seeing the warning signs. Burns didn't know any better. It took time for the entire family to digest and understand the challenges that come with an autism diagnosis, but they've since immersed themselves in autism education. Over the years, Burns and Champ have developed a special relationship. &#8226 Colts new owner had to grow up quickly &#8226 Henry's durability has stabilized Ravens &#8226 Cards' Wilson ready to build off big year &#8226 Cowboys hope Overshown has 'big' jump &#8226 How hands-on NFL owners affect their teams "Yeah, [Champ's] got mad love for his uncle, man," McClover said. "He can tell that the love is there. And that's one thing about autism kids. Autistic kids, they can really sense your nervous system. They can sense if you're stressed out, they can sense if you've got a peace, a calm nature about you. They can sense these things. "When he's around Brian, he's calm. And I like that. I really like that a lot. So I want to keep them around each other even more." Among the things they've learned is that nature and animals can be used as valuable teaching tools. Burns said that Champ has an infatuation with animals and recently took the whole family to the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. They've also learned the benefits of equine therapy, using horses to provide a therapeutic approach to learning. Burns said that it was after Champ's introduction to horses that he recently said his first word. (What was it?) It's now part of Hype 4 Life Foundation's mission to help other families acquire equestrian therapy. McClover and Burns have even made it a point to set up events where they can help other dads in similar situations. A support group, of sorts. "It means a lot because when Champ was diagnosed, we had no idea what autism was completely. We didn't really know what was going on. He wouldn't speak. So it was just strange," Burns said. "You always see stories and you always hear things, but when it affects your family, you obviously have to dive in deeper to figure out what's going on and what's the best ways to help your family and

Brian Burns doing it all for his nephew, autism awareness

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