In the past 12 months, the Dunedin Technical stalwart has married his sweetheart, Maggie, and become a father to 3-month-old daughter Ruby.
Life has certainly changed, but one thing has remained the same - and that is the 32-year-old striker's devastating form in front of the goal.
He has swatted 40 goals for his club this season - 32 in the Footballsouth Premier League, six in the Chatham Cup and two in the South Island Championship.
His haul in the premier league helped Dunedin Technical win the title and resulted in Burgess claiming the Golden Boot award for the fourth consecutive season. Like a fine wine, his trusted right boot just seems to get better with the passing years.
The good times, though, are nearing an end.
"I've been playing senior football for 16 years now and I guess I am coming towards the end of it," Burgess acknowledged.
"But I still seem to be banging in a few goals and doing the job.
While I can still compete I guess I'll keep doing it.
"You set yourself goals but I never thought I'd get 40 goals. I would have taken half that."
While Burgess is not ready to hang up his boots at the club just yet, it is unlikely he will be suiting up for Otago United this summer.
"Marriage and a baby certainly change your priorities and, obviously with the business as well, football becomes secondary."
Burgess is the owner operator of an Athlete's Foot franchise in the Meridian Mall.
Summer is a busy time for the business and finding the time to play football has become "more and more difficult".
"We've been in this business for four years now and you find ways to make sure football is still happening.
"The plan is to play again next year. I feel like I have a another couple of years left in me.
"I believe I still have a lot to offer at the club in terms of teaching. So while I can still contribute I want to be involved for sure.
"I haven't made a final decision [about Otago United] yet but probably not. With family and work commitments over the summer it is really difficult.
"I was involved last year as assistant coach and playing as bit as well, which I did as a favour to Malcolm Fleming. But Malcolm is not involved this year so, at this stage, I don't think I'll be doing too much with them." Fleming stepped down after two years in the role, citing a need for a change on the board.
He has also been an outspoken critic of the policy to pick from just local-based players this season.
Fleming does not believe there is enough talent in the region to remain competitive in the league. Burgess tends to agree with Fleming's opinion.
"There is the talent but they need experienced senior players around them to really flourish.
Whether they come from Dunedin or outside the region I don't think it really matters.
"You don't want the younger players to be overawed by the situation. But I can understand what the board is trying to do by going with local talent.
"Local talent is important and should be the bulk of the squad ... but you need experienced players to really strengthen the squad and make them competitive."
When Burgess does eventually retire he would like to stay involved in the game through coaching. He enjoyed his stint as an assistant coach with Otago United and would like to get more involved with junior football.
