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Seahawks' Ben Burr-Kirven Describes 'Special Experience' After Return From Injury

Ben Burr-Kirven spent two years on the Seattle Seahawks sidelines before returning in Thursday's win against the Minnesota Vikings.

Jeremy Brener

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Many will think about Thursday night's Seattle Seahawks preseason opener and not think much of it. But for linebacker Ben Burr-Kirven, it was more than just a game.

Burr-Kirven, 25, made his first appearance for the Seahawks after sitting out for two years due to injuries. He tore his ACL in 2021, which led to nerve damage that had some doctors telling him he wouldn't play football again.

“It’s a huge moment when you don’t play football for two years and get told you will never play again," Burr-Kirven said. "To be out there today was a pretty special experience.”

Burr-Kirven recorded one tackle in the Seahawks' 24-13 win against the Minnesota Vikings. He was also named the captain for the preseason opener and many teammates have looked at him as a source of inspiration.

"He was out there banging away," coach Pete Carroll said. "It's just heartwarming to see this story. If you ever would have seen how hard he had to work to get back, how much he overcame, so few people do what he did. He just never, ever wavered that he was going to get back. ... He did a great job tonight."

It will be a challenge for Burr-Kirven to make the 53-man roster out of training camp with a crowded linebacker room, but he could wind up on the practice squad and be part of the organization moving forward. It would certainly help having his presence around during the season.

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.

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