Nate Burleson, the former NFL wide receiver, boasts an impressive 11-season career, with a memorable highlight reel that stacks up against some of the best to run routes in the league. Throughout his time on the field, Burleson amassed 5,630 receiving yards and caught 39 touchdowns, leaving an indelible mark on multiple franchises and their fanbases.
Reflecting on his career, Burleson singles out the 2004 season as particularly special. That year, he surpassed the 1,000-yard mark, a milestone that marked him as a premier receiver in the league. Burleson had the opportunity to catch passes from some exceptional quarterbacks, including Daunte Culpepper, Matt Hasselbeck, and Matthew Stafford. "I do feel like he's gonna be really good," Burleson said about Stafford, who has continued to excel in his NFL career.
Reflections on NFL Quarterbacks
Turning his attention to today’s NFL, Burleson shared his views on some of the top quarterbacks dominating the league. Patrick Mahomes, currently leading the Kansas City Chiefs, stands out as a reigning Super Bowl MVP and one of the elite quarterbacks of his generation. Burleson hasn't ruled out the possibility of teaming up with Mahomes in another lifetime; when asked, he responded with a definitive "Definitely."
Lamar Jackson, quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, also earned high praise from Burleson. Elaborating on the dynamic nature of playing with Jackson, he explained, "If I ran one route and he starts running in the pocket, that DB’s eyes are gonna go directly to the quarterback. It's so hard to stop a receiver running one route, so when we get into scramble route and I spin out of that go route and go deep -- that DB is gonna lose me for a second."
Admiration for Rising Stars
Burleson’s admiration extends to Cincinnati Bengals' quarterback Joe Burrow. "I like his swag," he said, highlighting Burrow's confident demeanor and strong performance on the field. This sentiment resonates with many fans and analysts who see Burrow as a burgeoning star with a bright future ahead.
Burleson also spoke about Michael Penix Jr., currently the backup quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons. "Throws a pretty, a pretty football. And he's gonna be one of the most accurate quarterbacks. And I've never played with a left-hander," Burleson noted, appreciating Penix's unique talent and potential upside in the league. Penix Jr. serves as the understudy to the veteran Kirk Cousins, another seasoned quarterback who brings considerable experience to the Falcons' roster.
Quarterback Competitions and Fresh Starts
The Pittsburgh Steelers are currently witnessing an intriguing quarterback battle between Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. Wilson, a Super Bowl champion with 334 career touchdown passes, remains a formidable presence in the league. Burleson expressed his confidence in Wilson's future with the Steelers, stating, "I still think Russell Wilson throws one of the prettiest deep balls. I think he's gonna do great with the Steelers, so I'll go Russ."
Wilson's experience and skill set offer a significant advantage in this competition, but Fields' youthful vigor and potential could make for an exciting contest. As training camps proceed, fans and analysts alike are eager to see who will emerge as the starting quarterback for the Steelers.
Nate Burleson's career might be defined by his impressive stats and notable seasons, but his insights into today's players reveal a deep understanding and keen appreciation of the evolving nature of the quarterback position. His reflections offer a unique perspective on the game, blending his experience as a player with his current role as a commentator and analyst.