Nate Burleson

Nate Burleson is a Canadian-American television host, football commentator, and former professional football wide receiver. After enjoying a successful 11-year playing career in the National Football League (NFL). He has played for the Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks, Detroit Lions and Cleveland Browns.

Player Profile, High School, and College Career

Nathaniel Eugene Burleson was born on August 19, 1981, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The wide receiver stands 183 cm tall, and played at a listed weight of 90 kg.

He attended O’Dea High School in Seattle, Washington, USA, where he developed into a standout athlete. Committing to the University of Nevada, Burleson played college football for the Wolf Pack from 1999 to 2002.

He authored a phenomenal collegiate career, culminating in a dominant 2002 senior season where he earned First-team All-American honors after leading the NCAA in receptions and receiving yards per game.

Professional Playing Career

Burleson was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the third round (71st overall) of the 2003 NFL Draft.

He spent his first three professional seasons with the Vikings, developing into a reliable target and an explosive return specialist. In 2006, he signed with the Seattle Seahawks, enjoying a highly productive four-year stint.

His impressive contributions to the franchise’s passing and special teams units earned him a spot on the Seattle Seahawks 35th Anniversary Team.

In 2010, Burleson joined the Detroit Lions, where he provided essential veteran leadership and reliable receiving production opposite Calvin Johnson for four seasons.

After spending the 2014 offseason with the Cleveland Browns, he officially retired from professional football.

He concluded his active gridiron journey with 457 receptions, 5,630 receiving yards, 39 receiving touchdowns, and four return touchdowns.

Broadcasting and Media Career

Following his retirement as a player, Burleson launched a massive second act in television and media. He originally honed his craft by co-hosting Good Morning Football on the NFL Network and serving as a New York correspondent for the entertainment news program Extra from 2019 to 2021.

His charisma and natural on-camera presence quickly elevated him to premier network roles. Today, Burleson is a staple at Paramount Skydance.

He serves as a prominent co-host on CBS Mornings and provides expert coverage for March Madness. On the football side, he is a highly respected analyst for The NFL Today on CBS and covers the sport for a younger audience by co-hosting NFL Slimetime on Nickelodeon, where he also serves as a commentator for the network’s alternative NFL broadcasts.

Beyond sports and news, he has expanded his entertainment portfolio by hosting a revival of the classic game show Hollywood Squares.

Career Highlights

• Seattle Seahawks 35th Anniversary Team
• 2002 – First-team All-American selection at the University of Nevada