History of Nate Burleson in Timeline

Nate Burleson is a Canadian-American television host, football commentator, and former NFL wide receiver. He achieved All-American honors playing college football for the Nevada Wolf Pack. Drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 2003, he played for them, the Seattle Seahawks, and the Detroit Lions during his NFL career before transitioning to broadcasting.

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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 NFL player.

1983: Move to the United States

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

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: All-American Honors

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

2002: Record Breaking Season at Nevada

In the 2002 season, Nate Burleson made 138 receptions, the second highest in NCAA history, while playing for the Nevada Wolf Pack.

2003: NFL Rookie Season

In 2003, Nate Burleson began his rookie season with the Minnesota Vikings after being drafted in the third round.

2003: Drafted by the Minnesota Vikings

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

2004: Breakout Season with the Vikings

In 2004, Nate Burleson had a breakout season with the Minnesota Vikings, achieving over 1,000 receiving yards for the first time in his career.

2004: Career Best Season

In 2004, Nate Burleson had his best season of his career, catching 68 passes for 1,006 yards and nine touchdowns while playing for the Vikings.

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 after the Vikings declined to match the offer.

2007: Seahawk Team Record

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

September 7, 2008: Season-Ending Knee Injury

On September 7, 2008, Nate Burleson tore a ligament in his knee during Seattle's season opener against the Bills, leading to him being placed on injured reserve for the rest of the season.

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.

2011: "Good Guy Award"

In 2011, Nate Burleson was named 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: Forearm Fracture in Car Crash

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

February 13, 2014: Cut from the 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 as an Analyst

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 preseason broadcast team on the Detroit Lions Television Network.

2016: Good Morning Football Debut

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

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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: 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, becoming the color commentator for the NFL Wild Card game on Nickelodeon and hosting The Challenge: All Stars reunion show on Paramount+.

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