History of Nate Burleson in Timeline

Nate Burleson is a Canadian-American television host, football commentator, and former NFL wide receiver. He played college football at Nevada, earning All-American honors. Drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 2003, he also played for the Seattle Seahawks and Detroit Lions. After his NFL career, he transitioned into broadcasting, becoming a prominent television personality and commentator.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

August 19, 1981: Nate Burleson's Birth

On August 19, 1981, Nathaniel Eugene Burleson was born. He is a Canadian-American television host, football commentator, and former football player.

1983: Family Moved Back to the US

In 1983, Nate Burleson's family moved back to the United States when his father signed with the Los Angeles Express of the United States Football League (USFL).

1999: Won State Title in 300-meter Hurdles

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

2002: All-American Honors

In his senior season of 2002, Nate Burleson made 138 receptions and led the NCAA in both receiving yards and receptions per game. He was named first-team All-America by the American Football Coaches Association.

2003: Drafted by the Minnesota Vikings

In 2003, Nate Burleson was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the third round of the NFL draft, the 71st overall pick.

2004: Reunited With Scott Linehan

In 2004, Nate Burleson reunited with his former offensive coordinator, Scott Linehan, with whom he had his best season of his career, when he caught 68 passes for 1,006 yards and nine touchdowns while playing for the Vikings.

2004: Became Team's Number One Receiver

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

March 24, 2006: Signed with Seattle Seahawks

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

2007: Set Team Record for Punt Return Yards

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

September 7, 2008: Tore Ligament in Knee

On September 7, 2008, Nate Burleson tore a ligament in his knee during Seattle's season opener against the Buffalo Bills and was put on injured reserve.

March 5, 2010: Signed with Detroit Lions

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

2011: Received "Good Guy Award"

In 2011, Nate Burleson was named the recipient of the Detroit Lions-Detroit Sports Broadcasters Association/Pro Football Writers Association's Media-Friendly "Good Guy Award" for his interactions with the media.

2012: Attended Broadcast Boot Camp

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

September 24, 2013: Fractured Forearm in Car Crash

On September 24, 2013, Nate Burleson fractured his forearm in two places in an early morning, single-car crash. The accident occurred while attempting to save a pizza.

February 13, 2014: Cut from the 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.

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2015: Color Commentator for Detroit Lions

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

2016: Good Morning Football Debuted

In 2016, Good Morning Football debuted on NFL Network with Nate Burleson, Kay Adams, Kyle Brandt, and Peter Schrager as co-hosts.

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2017: Joined The NFL Today

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

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2019: Joined Extra as New York Correspondent

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

2021: Expanded Work with CBS

In 2021, Nate Burleson expanded his work with CBS, becoming the color commentator for the NFL Wild Card game airing on Nickelodeon and hosting the first season of The Challenge: All Stars reunion show on Paramount+. He became a co-anchor for CBS Mornings.

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2021: Sports Emmy Award Winner

In 2021, Nate Burleson won a Sports Emmy Award for Outstanding Studio Analyst.

2022: Continued Work with Nickelodeon

In 2022, Nate Burleson continued with Nickelodeon as a host of its new weekly highlights show NFL Slimetime and reteamed with Noah Eagle and Gabrielle Nevaeh Green on the network's Wild Card broadcast and Christmas Day broadcast.

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