CHICAGO (Feb. 25, 2022) – Chicago Fire FC today announced that the Club has signed defender Kendall Burks to a first team contract. Burks is under contract with the Club through the 2023 season with Club options for 2024 and 2025.
“Kendall is a talented young player who we believe has the tools to compete for playing time in multiple positions during his rookie season,” said Chicago Fire FC Sporting Director Georg Heitz. “We’re very pleased that he has decided to begin his professional career in Chicago, despite having options to play overseas, and look forward to seeing his continued growth within our environment.”
Burks, 22, was originally selected by the Fire as the 11th overall pick in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft on Jan. 11. Originally possessing the seventh overall pick in the SuperDraft, the Fire executed a draft-day trade with the New York Red Bulls to acquire $100,000 in 2022 General Allocation Money and the 11th overall pick in exchange for the No. 7 pick.
A native of Tacoma, Wash., Burks split his collegiate career between California State University, Bakersfield (2018-19) and the University of Washington (2021). While at Bakersfield, Burks appeared in 36 matches (30 starts), including every minute his freshman season. Following his sophomore campaign, the 6-foot-1 defender transferred to Washington and went on to make 22 appearances (22 starts) as he helped the team reach the NCAA National Championship this past season.
Transaction: Chicago Fire FC sign Kendall Burks to a first team contract. Burks is under contract through 2023 with a Club option for 2024.
Name: Kendall Burks
Position: Defender
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 165 lbs.
Date of Birth: Oct. 8, 1999
Birthplace: Tacoma, Wash.
Hometown: Tacoma, Wash.
Citizenship: United States of America
