Giants’ Brian Burns proud to use his voice to advocate for autism community

Brian Burns already has plenty of support for the Pro Bowl.

What the Giants star needs now is more support for his brother, his nephew and other families in similar situations, which was the message at his “I Am A Champion of Autism” luncheon Tuesday at MetLife Stadium.

The Hype 4 Life Foundation of the Brian Burns Family Charities hosted the fundraising event to recognize involved fathers of autistic children.

“It means a lot bringing awareness and letting the autism community know that I’m here and I care,” Burns said. “It’s crucial to use my platform and my voice to speak for others that can’t.”

Burns’ older brother, former NFL player Stanley McClover Jr., is raising his 7-year-old son Champ in Georgia. Champ is non-verbal, and Burns has a “taking care” relationship with his nephew as he educates himself on the challenges facing autistic children and their parents.

“Being able to do [this] with my brother makes it a ton better,” said Burns, who, like McClover, was a Panthers draft pick. “One of the most powerful things he said is when he is out with his son in public he gets certain looks. That’s due to a lack of knowledge — not due to any ill intent. To be able to have that awareness spread around the world will open the minds of people.”