Joshua Burnham, a native of the world’s cherry capital, Traverse City, Michigan, made the decision to commit to Notre Dame in 2021. His parents, however, who are both Michigan fans, believed their son would wind up in Madison’s Camp Randall Stadium. But Joshua said he wants to be receptive to everything. That’s precisely who he is. Burnham was a dynamic player for Central High School in Traverse City.

Whether he was playing linebacker, RB, or QB, Josh was making plays on the field. He was a four-star prospect due to his size and versatility. And considering that he had multiple offers from pertinent schools, he finally enrolled at Notre Dame in January 2022. Thanks to his parents’ support and direction.

Who are Joshua Burnham’s parents?

Joshua Burnham was born and raised in Traverse City, Michigan, to Sean and Katie Burnham. His parents have been the backbone of his journey from a quiet kid with a dream to a Notre Dame defensive standout. His dad, Sean, is a former athlete who has shaped Joshua’s love for sports since he could walk. He wasn’t just a cheerleader on the sidelines; he was the man watching game film, analyzing plays, and driving across states for camps. 

Sean was deeply involved during her son’s recruitment, sharing in every emotional moment, like the time Notre Dame coaches FaceTimed Joshua right before their game against Clemson. The Burnhams gathered around the screen, stunned and touched. “They went out of their way,” he said later. “We all sat there watching, realizing this wasn’t normal recruiting. They genuinely cared.”

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Meanwhile, Joshua’s mom, Katie, has been just as hands-on. She’s the emotional compass in the Burnham home, part cheerleader, part steady hand. When Joshua got that Notre Dame offer, it wasn’t just a win for him, it was a family victory. She’s known her son’s potential since his earliest games and has been there for every setback, every injury, every comeback. She calls him her “gentle giant,” and even as he dominates on the field, she keeps reminding him: stay grounded, stay humble.

How did Sean and Katie Burnham meet?

Sean and Katie met in Michigan, long before college football became a household topic in their home. Their connection was natural both local kids with big dreams and a love for sports. Sean was the kind of guy who could talk about football for hours, while Katie leaned more toward basketball and community events. They bonded over that small-town rhythm, long drives by the lake, late-night games, and shared goals of raising a family rooted in effort and honesty.

By the time Joshua was born, they already had a rhythm of support that became the blueprint for their parenting. Sean coached youth sports; Katie organized schedules and meals around practices. They didn’t have a glamorous life, but they built one rich with commitment. When Joshua started showing flashes of athletic ability, they didn’t pressure him, they guided him. “Let it come to you,” Sean often told him. “The game will tell you what you love.” That same patient philosophy shaped Joshua into one of Michigan’s top recruits and eventually, a name on Notre Dame’s roster.

What is the ethnicity of Joshua Burnham’s parents?

Sean and Katie Burnham are Caucasian Americans, both born and raised in the Midwest. Their roots are woven deep into Michigan’s hardworking, middle-American culture,  small towns, Friday-night football lights, and generations that value integrity over flash. They come from families that know the value of showing up, of working quietly until results speak for themselves. That upbringing reflects in how they’ve raised Joshua.

They’re the type who believe in showing gratitude before celebration. Their conversations at the dinner table aren’t about fame or headlines but about effort, discipline, and faith. That’s the environment Joshua grew up in steady, grounded, unpretentious. It’s also why his commitment to Notre Dame felt like destiny. A St. Patrick’s Day baby playing for the Irish, his mom still laughs about it, saying, “Maybe it was written in the stars. Who knew I’d have a 6-foot-4 leprechaun?”

How good is Joshua Burnham’s relationship with his parents?

It’s the kind of bond built on mutual respect and love, not just obligation. Joshua listens when his parents talk,  that says a lot in itself. He’s known to FaceTime them after games, sometimes just to hear familiar voices. Sean’s advice is often short and tactical, while Katie’s is emotional and grounded. Together, they give him balance: the voice of reason from one side, the heart from the other.

When he was deciding between Michigan and Notre Dame, his parents didn’t push. Katie had her Michigan loyalties she admits it but when she walked around South Bend, she felt something different. “We took football out of the picture,” she said. “It had to feel right for him.” That decision became one of their proudest family moments.

Even during tough stretches, like when Joshua missed games due to his ankle injury, the Burnhams were his anchor. His mom kept him positive, his dad kept him sharp. They were in the stands when he made his comeback against Stanford five tackles, one fumble recovery, and a grin aimed straight toward where his parents sat.

Sean often says the recruiting process was special because of the way Notre Dame treated their family but the truth is, Joshua’s journey was made special because of how the Burnhams treated each other. They’re not the kind of parents who take credit for his success, but anyone watching knows the foundation came from home.

In conclusion, Sean and Katie Burnham didn’t raise an athlete for the spotlight; they raised a man who understands gratitude, persistence, and humility. From Traverse City to Notre Dame, their fingerprints are on every step. Joshua’s calm confidence and discipline trace straight back to his parents, the ones who taught him that greatness starts long before the cameras roll.