[4] Burns was involved in government task forces on the legacy of slavery in Maryland, on the impact of cults in institutions of higher education, and on entrepreneurship among African Americans.

[12] After Baltimore Ravens linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo voiced his support for same-sex marriage, Burns wrote a letter on August 29, 2012, to Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti, on official Maryland State letterhead, demanding that Mr. Bisciotti "take the necessary action ... to inhibit such expressions from your employee," further stating, "I know of no other NFL player who has done what Mr. Ayanbadejo is doing."

In an interview for The Washington Post, a spokesperson for the Ravens acknowledged that the team had received the letter but refused to give any further comment.

Ayanbadejo himself affirmed in a subsequent interview with The Baltimore Sun that he had received public support for his actions and that he had no intention of backing away from them.

[16] Minnesota Vikings punter Chris Kluwe famously came to Ayanbadejo's defense, penning a scathing retort for the popular sports website Deadspin.

After echoing previous criticisms and wondering why Burns "hates freedom," Kluwe stated that making gay marriage legal "won't magically turn you into a lustful cockmonster" and that he himself has been very vocal in supporting same-sex marriage, despite Burns's claim that Ayanbadejo was the only NFL player to do so.