What Happened to Nathaniel Eugene Burleson?
Nate Burleson is a Canadian-American former NFL wide receiver who has successfully transitioned into a prominent broadcasting career. He currently serves as a co-host of "CBS Mornings" and an Emmy Award-winning studio analyst for "The NFL Today" on CBS, recently expanding his role to include hosting duties for the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament.
Quick Answer
Nate Burleson is currently a co-host of "CBS Mornings" and a studio analyst for "The NFL Today" on CBS. In March 2026, he debuted as a studio host for CBS Sports' coverage of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, a role that is also seen as an audition for potentially hosting "The NFL Today" in the future. Despite earlier rumors of a potential departure, a CBS executive confirmed in March 2026 that Burleson is expected to remain with "CBS Mornings."
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline17 events
Born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Nate Burleson was born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and later raised in Seattle, Washington.
Second-Highest Receptions in NCAA History
While playing for the University of Nevada, Reno, Burleson recorded 138 receptions, marking the second-highest single-season total in NCAA history.
Drafted by Minnesota Vikings
Nate Burleson was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the 3rd round (71st overall) of the 2003 NFL Draft.
First 1,000-Yard Receiving Season
Burleson achieved his first 1,000-yard receiving season with the Vikings, posting 1,006 yards and nine touchdowns.
Signed with Seattle Seahawks
He signed with his hometown Seattle Seahawks as a restricted free agent, where he also excelled as a return specialist.
Led NFL in Punt Returns
Burleson led the NFL with 58 punt returns and set a Seahawks franchise record for most punt return yards in a season (658).
Signed with Detroit Lions
He signed a five-year contract with the Detroit Lions, where he played his final NFL seasons.
Retired from NFL
After 11 seasons, Nate Burleson retired from professional football.
Began Broadcasting Career
Burleson quickly transitioned to broadcasting, joining the NFL Network as an analyst.
Co-Host of Good Morning Football
He became a co-host of NFL Network's popular show, 'Good Morning Football,' a role he held for five years.
Joined The NFL Today on CBS
Burleson joined CBS Sports as a studio analyst for their pre-game show, 'The NFL Today.'
Became Co-Host of CBS Mornings
Nate Burleson was named a co-host of 'CBS Mornings,' marking a significant crossover into mainstream news broadcasting.
Inducted into East-West Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame
Burleson was inducted into the East-West Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame for his outstanding college and professional career, and his ambassadorship for Shriners Children's.
Hosted 'Hollywood Squares' Revival
He began hosting a new version of the classic game show 'Hollywood Squares.'
Joined 2026 NCAA Tournament Coverage
It was announced that Nate Burleson would join CBS Sports' coverage of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament as a studio host.
Confirmed to Remain on CBS Mornings
Amidst network changes, a CBS executive confirmed that Nate Burleson would remain a 'fantastic partner' on 'CBS Mornings.'
Debut as March Madness Studio Host
Nate Burleson made his debut as a studio host for CBS Sports and TNT Sports during the first-round coverage of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Nate Burleson, born on August 19, 1981, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, carved out an 11-season career in the National Football League as a wide receiver before becoming one of the most recognizable faces in sports and entertainment broadcasting. Drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the third round of the 2003 NFL Draft, Burleson also played for the Seattle Seahawks and Detroit Lions, accumulating 457 receptions for 5,630 yards and 39 touchdowns. He is notably the only player in NFL history to have three punt returns of 90 or more yards.
Following his retirement from the NFL after the 2013 season, Burleson swiftly pivoted to media. He began his broadcasting journey with the NFL Network in 2014, eventually becoming a co-host of "Good Morning Football" from 2016 to 2021. His insightful analysis and engaging personality quickly garnered attention, leading to his move to CBS Sports in 2017 as a studio analyst for "The NFL Today." During this period, he earned multiple Sports Emmy Awards for Outstanding Sports Personality - Studio Analyst, solidifying his reputation as a top-tier broadcaster.
A significant turning point in Burleson's career came in September 2021 when he joined Gayle King and Tony Dokoupil as a co-host of "CBS Mornings," making him one of the few sportscasters to transition into a prominent network news role. This move expanded his reach beyond sports, allowing him to cover a broader range of topics, including mental health and high-profile interviews with figures like Michelle Obama and Jennifer Lopez during his time as an entertainment correspondent for "Extra" from 2019 to 2021.
As of March 2026, Burleson's career continues to thrive and evolve. He remains a co-host of "CBS Mornings" and a key analyst for "The NFL Today." Recent developments include his addition to CBS Sports' coverage of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament as a studio host, making his debut on March 20, 2026. This new role is reportedly an audition for a potential future position as the main host of "The NFL Today," indicating CBS's long-term plans for him. Despite earlier speculation in late 2025 about a possible departure from "CBS Mornings" due to network restructuring, a CBS executive's statement in March 2026 affirmed his continued presence on the morning show. Burleson also hosts Nickelodeon's "NFL Slimetime" and a revival of "Hollywood Squares" which premiered in January 2025, showcasing his versatility across different media platforms.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Nathaniel Eugene Burleson made different choices?