Career Timeline of Nate Burleson: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Nate Burleson built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Nate Burleson is a Canadian-American television host, football commentator, and former NFL wide receiver. He played college football for the Nevada Wolf Pack, earning All-American honors in 2002. Drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the third round of the 2003 NFL draft, Burleson also played for the Seattle Seahawks and Detroit Lions during his professional career. He transitioned to broadcasting after his football career.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1999: State Title in Hurdles

In 1999, Nate Burleson won the state title in the 300-meter hurdles with a time of 38.70 seconds.

2002: Record-Breaking Senior Season

During his senior season in 2002, Nate Burleson made 138 receptions, the second highest in NCAA history, leading the NCAA in both receiving yards and receptions per game. He was named first-team All-America.

2002: All-American Honors

In 2002, Nate Burleson earned first-team All-American honors playing college football for the Nevada Wolf Pack.

2003: Drafted by Minnesota Vikings

In 2003, Nate Burleson was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings as the 71st overall pick.

2004: Became Number One Receiver

In 2004, Nate Burleson became the Minnesota Vikings' number one receiver due to an injury to Randy Moss. He reached over 1,000 receiving yards for the first time in his career.

2004: Reunion with Scott Linehan

In 2004, Nate Burleson reunited with Scott Linehan, his former offensive coordinator.

March 24, 2006: Signed with Seattle Seahawks

On March 24, 2006, Nate Burleson signed a seven-year $49 million offer sheet to play with his hometown Seattle Seahawks.

2007: Team Record for Punt Return Yards

In 2007, Nate Burleson set the Seahawk team record for most punt return yards in a single season, as well as career punt return yards.

March 5, 2010: Signed with Detroit Lions

On March 5, 2010, Nate Burleson agreed to a five-year $25 million contract with the Detroit Lions.

2012: Attended Broadcast Boot Camp

In 2012, Nate Burleson attended a Broadcast Boot Camp put on by the NFL.

February 13, 2014: Cut from Detroit Lions

On February 13, 2014, Nate Burleson was cut from the Detroit Lions.

April 6, 2014: Signed with Cleveland Browns

On April 6, 2014, Nate Burleson signed a one-year deal with the Cleveland Browns.

2014: Began Working for NFL Network

After his playing career ended in 2014, Nate Burleson began working as an analyst for the NFL Network.

2015: Color Commentator for Detroit Lions

In 2015, Nate Burleson was a color commentator for the Detroit Lions Television Network.

2016: Good Morning Football Debuted

In 2016, Good Morning Football debuted on NFL Network with Nate Burleson as a co-host.

2017: Analyst for The NFL Today

In 2017, Nate Burleson joined the NFL on CBS team as a studio analyst for The NFL Today.

2019: Correspondent for Extra

In 2019, Nate Burleson became a New York correspondent for the entertainment news program Extra.

2021: End of Extra Correspondent Role

In 2021, Nate Burleson ended his role as a New York correspondent for the entertainment news program Extra.

2021: Expanded work with CBS

In 2021, Nate Burleson expanded his work with CBS as the color commentator for the NFL Wild Card game airing on Nickelodeon and as host for the first season of The Challenge: All Stars reunion show on Paramount+.

2022: Continued Work with Nickelodeon

In 2022, Nate Burleson continued his work with Nickelodeon as a host of its new weekly highlights show NFL Slimetime and on the network's Wild Card broadcast.