Vontaze Burfict Talks About Marvin Lewis' Influence As A Motivator

Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict joined MJ and Bickley on XTRA Sports Radio 910 in Phoenix, where Burfict attended Arizona State and played three seasons accumulating 228 tackles, 22.5 tackles for loss, seven quarterback sacks, four forced fumbles, three fumbles recovered, an interception and at one point a consideration as a candidate for the Butkus Award.

As one point during the interview, much of which focused on Burfict's history with former head coach Dennis Erickson, they asked him about his stay in Cincinnati. And as has rung true since the bond began formulating following the 2012 NFL draft, Burfict talks about what Lewis has done to reestablish his career as a football player.

"It’s been a good journey, since I’ve been under Marvin Lewis’ wing. He took me in and he coaches me how I need to be coached. If I mess up twice on one play that he already told me about, he gets to me. He starts yelling at me. But that’s what I need. … I love being under his wing because he talks to me like I’m a grown man and he understands you’re not supposed to always yell at a player. Sometimes I need to be yelled at."

It's not the first time that both coach and player have spoken about their relationship of mentor/apprentice or even father and son.

Burfict has generated at least seven tackles in three consecutive games, with a quarterback sack and pass defensed during that stretch. He's currently fifth on the team with 25 tackles.