Giants linebacker Brian Burns anticipates higher intensity level with John Harbaugh in charge

For some Giants, there will be an adjustment to coach John Harbaugh’s personality and way of doing things. Brian Burns is one of the few returning players who’s seen it up close.

Burns recalled in 2021 when he and the Panthers had a joint practice with the Ravens. At one point, a fight broke out and Burns was shocked to see Harbaugh get in the middle of things to break it up.

“He was in the mix with all the fighting and I’m like, this man is crazy,” Burns told Newsday. “He’s out here with these giants and we got our pads on and he didn’t bat an eye. He was right there in the mix and I’m like, ‘Oh man, he got [guts].' ”

It’s one of the latest things that has Burns excited this offseason. After a career-high 16 1/2 sacks last season and making the All-Pro second team, Burns is using his higher profile to expand his outreach for autism awareness.

He’s hosting the Brian Burns Celebrity Softball Game on May 30 at Clover Stadium in Pomona (New York). Burns and former Giants running back Brandon Jacobs will lead opposing teams that include past and present Giants in what’s become an annual tradition.

“It should be a big turnout,” Burns said. “It’s gonna be super family friendly and I’m adding a little twist just to make it a little bit more interactive for the fans. So I think it’s gonna be a great time and all in all, it’s for a good cause.”

It’s also helped Burns get more settled in after his second Giants season. He established himself as a team captain last year and made his first Pro Bowl since 2022.

Now it’s just getting used to a new coach and higher expectations. With Harbaugh in the fold

“I like his craziness because he comes in, like he says, with his enthusiasm unknown to mankind,” Burns said. “I believe he’s very intentional with his words and really, his energy. I think it’s contagious and coming from him, it’s important. So I really appreciate how he attacks every day.”

There’s also a new intensity with defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson. Wilson praised Burns and fellow linebacker Abdul Carter’s skill sets while adding they’ll fit in perfectly with a defense that he wants to be unpredictable, dynamic, decisive and unapologetic in playing nasty.

“We're going to play physical. We're going to play violent,” Wilson said. “We're going to live on the edge, play on the edge, but we're not going to hurt the team. We're going to be suffocating to the point we impose our wills on people. The players are going to buy into that mindset.”

For Burns, who faced the Ravens twice in his career, it's a challenge he’s embracing being part of what Harbaugh’s teams are known for.

“I’ve faced his teams and they have been physical, downhill, in your face and now I’m on that side,” Burns said. “I’m just really emphasizing that identity.”

“Obviously (Harbaugh’s) had major success in the NFL. He’s one of the best coaches to date so I’m kind of taking everything he says into consideration.”

Naturally, Burns also has his eye who might join him and the Giants in next week’s draft. They could add another defensive player in the first round or turn to offense with Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love or a lineman.

He’s a fan of Love having “home run potential” with his speed and power. Burns also called Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles “a freak of nature” and is also a fan of Ohio State safety Caleb Downs beyond what he’s seen on tape.

“I mainly hear about (Downs) from players more than analysts or anything of that nature,” Burns said. “I hear about him from younger players that played against him and that speaks volumes.”

It’s another reason Burns is optimistic about the offseason and taking more of a lead with his community work. Despite the Giants coming off a four-win season, Harbaugh’s presence has changed the atmosphere and Burns wants to keep adding to it.

Even if it means that come training camp, he might have to hold Harbaugh back from breaking up skirmishes.

“I couldn’t ask for more, especially coming from him,” Burns said. “So I’m just trying to pick his brain and absorb as much as I can.”

By Evan Barnes

evan.barnes@newsday.comevan_b

Evan Barnes covers the Giants for Newsday. He previously covered the Brooklyn Nets, Memphis football and the Memphis Grizzlies and also covered prep sports in Los Angeles.