Dolphins Safety: UFL Star, M*A*S*H Unknown
Miami Dolphins welcome safety Major Burns, a UFL standout unaware of his M*A*S*H character namesake
The Miami Dolphins have a safety named Major Burns on their roster — and no, he has never seen M*A*S*H. The 6-foot-2, 209-pound defensive back gets asked about the famous TV show character constantly, but Burns says the comparison misses the mark entirely, according to Naples News.
Burns was actually named after Major Applewhite, the former Texas Longhorns quarterback, not the bumbling Army doctor from the classic war comedy, NWF Daily News reported. The mix-up follows him everywhere — but Burns says he has never watched the show or the film.
Named After a Quarterback, Not a TV Character
Major Applewhite played quarterback at the University of Texas in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Burns's parents were fans, and that is where the name came from. It has nothing to do with Major Frank Burns, the pompous character from the long-running M*A*S*H television series, according to The Ledger.
Burns told reporters he has never heard of M*A*S*H — not the show, not the 1970 film. Every time someone brings it up, he has to explain the Applewhite connection all over again. It has become a running joke, but Burns takes it in stride, Daily Commercial reported.
Burns Dominated the UFL Before Landing in Miami
Before joining the Dolphins, Burns made a name for himself in the UFL. He played for the Houston Gamblers and led the entire league with four interceptions. That performance earned him a spot on the All-UFL team, according to News-Press.
Burns also racked up 45 tackles — 10 of them solo — and broke up eight passes for the Gamblers. Those are strong numbers for any safety at any level. The production caught Miami's attention and got him onto the Dolphins roster, News Journal Online reported.
From Undrafted Free Agent to Dolphins Safety
Burns went undrafted out of LSU. He spent time with the Chicago Bears last summer but did not stick on their roster. That led him to the UFL, where he got a real chance to play and prove himself, according to Yahoo Sports.
His standout UFL season opened the door back to the NFL. The Dolphins signed him and he now has a shot at a roster spot in Miami. Burns went from undrafted to league interception leader to an NFL opportunity in a short stretch of time, Palm Beach Post reported.
A Unique Name That Keeps Starting Conversations
Burns is not the first athlete to carry an unusual name into a locker room. But his name lands differently because Major Burns is such a well-known fictional character. Teammates and coaches notice it right away, according to Herald Tribune.
Still, Burns seems unbothered. He knows the story behind his name and is happy to share it. His parents loved a college quarterback. That is the whole story — no M*A*S*H, no army, no punchline, Jacksonville.com reported.
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