Post-game interviews – Catching up with five former Tigers

Shawn Burks
(1982-1985)
Burks was a multi-sport athlete at LSU who excelled in track and football. Following his time as a Tiger, Burks spent two years with the Washington Redskins before coming back to Louisiana as one of the New Orleans Saints. After his time with the black and gold, Burks returned to LSU to get his degree and decided to pursue sales. Now he’s the owner and manager of Antique Woods of Baton Rouge and supplies goods to architects and contractors nationwide.

“We build and design lodges, log cabins, custom furniture, custom floors, windows and more,” Burks says. “I love being in the wood business. I think there is a lot of value when you take someone’s trash and turn it into a treasure.”

Brian Kinchen
(1983-1987)
The Kinchen name has lived long in LSU history. As the son of Gaynell “Gus” Kinchen—a “Chinese Bandit” and member of the 1958 National Championship Tigers—Brian Kinchen played his own role in the family legacy. Though an All-SEC player twice at LSU and a longtime tight end in the NFL, the younger Kinchen will always be remembered by his “snap seen ’round the world” for the Patriots’ game-winning field goal during the 2004 Super Bowl.

Now, Kinchen serves as the high school football coach for Mentorship Academy in downtown Baton Rouge.

“I love the opportunity to invest in the lives of young people, especially young football players,” he says. He uses this opportunity as a coach to teach students life lessons through the game of football. “My purpose has nothing to do with winning a football game, but everything to do with helping build great character in each of the students I’m responsible for,” Kinchen says.
Brian Kinchen with son McKans.

Ciron Black
(2005-2009)
A consistent force on LSU’s o-line, Black holds the LSU record for the most career starts, at 53—one shy of the NCAA record. Throughout that career, he received multiple All-SEC and national honors. Shockingly, he wasn’t taken in the NFL draft, though he quickly secured a job with the Houston Astros, where he still works, heading up sales and business development.

“I plan to get into sports media, through radio and then TV,” he says. Black works with local businesses to organize company outings as well as plan and book suites for various games and events. “I love my current job,” he says. “Getting to look out my window and see a major league stadium is a dream in itself.”
Ciron Black traded the gridiron for the diamond working for the Astros organization.

Jarrett Lee
(2007-2011)
In a rarity for the Tigers, Jarrett Lee stepped up as the starter for LSU midway through his true freshman year. From that point on, Jarrett Lee and Jordan Jefferson split time leading the Tigers offense, culminating in LSU’s best regular season finish ever at 13-0. Following his time at LSU, Lee briefly became a San Diego Charger before playing for the British Columbia Lions in the CFL.

After hanging up his helmet, Lee is pursuing a career in commercial real estate in Baton Rouge. “I got involved with real estate because of my grandfather, who does ranch real estate in Texas,” Lee says. “Being a former LSU athlete has helped tremendously with getting involved and meeting people.”
Jarrett Lee with San Diego Chargers coach Norv Turner.

Brad Wing
(2010-2012)
This Australian will go down as one of the most exciting punters in LSU history. From his 73-yard, game-changing punt against Alabama to his thrilling touchdown sprint against Florida (taken back by penalty, alas), Wing always had the fans animated. He also was the first collegiate punter in 20 years to declare early for the NFL draft.

“Playing in the NFL is such a blessing, and I am very grateful to have the opportunity to actually get to do so,” Wing says. He recently signed a deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

“The biggest joy of all, though, will be seeing my son wearing my NFL jersey, and to play with him on the field after games on Sunday,” Wing says.
Brad Wing with wife Haley and son Bentley.