 During the 2003 and 2004 collegiate off seasons, he played for the Bradenton Academics in the fourth division USL Premier Development League; in 2006, he played for the Westchester Flames.Burns was drafted in the fourth round (50th overall) by Columbus Crew in the 2007 MLS Supplemental Draft., but instead of signing with Columbus he spent the 2007 season with the Rochester Raging Rhinos in the USL First Division.Burns eventually signed with Columbus for the 2008 season, but sat out the season with an ankle injury.