Spencer Burford Bio
Spencer Burford, born on July 19, 2000, is an American professional football guard who plays in the National Football League (NFL) for the San Francisco 49ers. Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing around 300 pounds, he plays on the offensive line, a position that requires both size and quick thinking. After starring at the University of Texas at San Antonio, Burford was selected by the 49ers in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Since joining the league, Burford has been known for his physical strength and consistent play. He started every game of his rookie season, an impressive achievement for a young lineman, and has continued to be a regular contributor along the 49ers’ offensive front. His combination of athleticism and toughness has made him a reliable part of one of the most competitive teams in the NFL.
Early Life and Background
Spencer Burford was born in San Antonio, Texas, where he grew up surrounded by the rich football culture of South Texas. From a young age, he developed a passion for the sport, often spending time watching and playing football with friends and family. His large frame and natural athleticism made the trenches a natural fit, and he quickly gravitated toward the offensive line.
Burford attended Wagner High School in San Antonio, where he played on the football team and began attracting attention from college recruiters. His size and strength made him a standout, and he earned a reputation as a hard-working and dedicated player. Coaches praised his willingness to learn and his commitment to improving every day.
His high school success opened the door to a college opportunity at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Although UTSA was not yet a powerhouse program at the time, it offered Burford a chance to compete at the NCAA Division I level and continue developing his skills. His decision to stay close to home also allowed him to remain connected to his family and community.
Path to American Football
After completing his time at Wagner High School, Spencer Burford joined the UTSA Roadrunners football program in 2018. The Roadrunners, then competing in Conference USA, gave him the chance to develop his technique and grow into a more polished offensive lineman. He worked hard in the weight room and on the practice field to refine his game.
By his junior season in 2020, Burford had become one of the top performers on the UTSA offensive line. His strong play earned him Second-team All-Conference USA honors, a recognition that highlighted his growth as a player. The following year, in 2021, he elevated his game even further and was named First-team All-Conference USA.
His impressive college career caught the attention of NFL scouts, and he declared for the 2022 NFL Draft after his senior season. Burford’s combination of size, strength, and athleticism made him an attractive prospect for teams looking to add depth and talent to their offensive lines.
Spencer Burford Career
Early Career (2022)
Spencer Burford was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth round, 134th overall, of the 2022 NFL Draft. The 49ers saw in him the tools to develop into a reliable NFL guard, and he quickly earned a role on the team’s offensive line. His selection marked an important milestone, as he became one of the few UTSA players to be drafted into the league.
As a rookie, Burford made an immediate impact. He appeared in and started all 16 games during the 2022 regular season, a remarkable feat for a young lineman adjusting to the speed and complexity of the professional game. His durability and consistency helped stabilize the 49ers’ offensive front and earned him valuable experience heading into his second season.
NFL Breakthrough with the San Francisco 49ers (2022–2024)
Burford’s transition from a mid-round draft pick to a reliable starter was one of the quiet success stories of the 49ers’ offensive line. He showed the ability to handle both pass protection and run blocking, two crucial skills for a guard in the NFL. His quick development gave the 49ers confidence in their young core of linemen.
Over the following seasons, Burford continued to grow into his role, contributing to the 49ers’ efforts to maintain a strong offensive line. His presence helped support the team’s running game and gave quarterbacks more time in the pocket. Coaches valued his work ethic and his willingness to absorb coaching, traits that have made him a respected teammate in the locker room.
San Francisco 49ers Era (2022–Present)
Entering his third NFL season, Spencer Burford remained an important part of the 49ers’ offensive line rotation. The team continued to rely on his physicality and toughness in the trenches. His experience, combined with his natural ability, made him a key piece of a unit tasked with protecting some of the league’s most dynamic offensive players.
The 2024 season brought new challenges and opportunities for Burford. He continued to start games and contribute at a high level, reinforcing his reputation as a dependable lineman. The 49ers’ ongoing commitment to building a strong offensive line ensured that Burford would have a meaningful role in the team’s plans.
On September 20, 2025, Burford was placed on injured reserve due to a knee injury he suffered in Week 2 against the New Orleans Saints. The injury was a setback, but his recovery became a focus for both him and the team. On November 1, 2025, he was activated from injured reserve ahead of the team’s Week 9 game against the New York Giants, marking his return to the field.
Playing Style and Strengths
Spencer Burford is known for his physical strength and aggressive approach to the offensive line position. Standing 6 feet 4 inches and weighing around 300 pounds, he has the size to match up against the league’s top defensive tackles. His quick feet and strong hands allow him to excel in both pass protection and run blocking situations.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Spencer Burford’s early career was being selected in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers. Starting all 16 games as a rookie was another major milestone, showcasing his readiness for the professional level. His 2021 First-team All-Conference USA selection at UTSA also stands out as a highlight of his college career.
Spencer Burford Career Highlights
Spencer Burford’s career is still in its early stages, but he has already built a solid foundation in the NFL. His ability to start every game during his rookie season set the tone for what has been a promising professional journey with the San Francisco 49ers.
NFL Highlights
Burford’s rookie season in 2022, in which he started all 16 games, remains his most notable NFL achievement to date. His return from injured reserve in November 2025 also marked an important moment in his career, demonstrating his resilience and dedication to the game.
College Achievements
At UTSA, Burford earned Second-team All-Conference USA honors in 2020 and First-team All-Conference USA honors in 2021. These awards reflected his growth into one of the top offensive linemen in his conference during his college career.
Spencer Burford Family
Family Background
Details about Spencer Burford’s family background are limited in publicly available sources. He grew up in San Antonio, Texas, where he developed his love for football.
Personal Life
Spencer Burford tends to keep his personal life private. He remains focused on his professional football career with the San Francisco 49ers.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season began with high hopes for Spencer Burford and the San Francisco 49ers. Early in the year, he continued to serve as a starting guard, contributing to the team’s efforts on the offensive line. Unfortunately, his season was interrupted in Week 2 when he suffered a knee injury against the New Orleans Saints, leading to a placement on injured reserve on September 20, 2025.
Despite the setback, Burford worked through his recovery and was activated from injured reserve on November 1, 2025, ahead of the Week 9 game against the New York Giants. His return was a boost for the 49ers’ offensive line as they continued their push through the season. The team remained confident in his ability to contribute at a high level.
Looking ahead, Burford’s focus will be on regaining his form and finishing the 2025 season strong. His experience and toughness suggest he will continue to be a key part of the 49ers’ plans, both in the immediate future and in the seasons to come.