Nate Burleson CBS, Bio, Age, Height, Wife, Salary & Net Worth

Who Is Nate Burleson?| Biography

Nate Burleson is a Canadian-American former NFL wide receiver, television host, and sports analyst. Born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, he later grew up in Seattle, Washington. His football career eventually led him into a successful broadcasting career.

Burleson attended the University of Nevada, Reno, where he became a standout wide receiver for the Wolf Pack. In 2002, he recorded 138 receptions, ranking second in NCAA history at that time. He also set Nevada and WAC records with 19 receptions in one game.

In 2003, the Minnesota Vikings selected Burleson in the third round of the NFL Draft. He played 11 NFL seasons with the Vikings, Seattle Seahawks, and Detroit Lions. During his career, he became the only NFL player with three punt returns of at least 90 yards.

After retiring from football, Burleson successfully transitioned into television. He began his broadcasting career with NFL Network before joining CBS Sports in 2017. He became a studio analyst on The NFL Today and later earned multiple Sports Emmy Awards.

Since September 2021, Burleson has served as a co-host of CBS Mornings. He has also hosted Nickelodeon’s NFL Slimetime and contributed to other sports programs. In 2026, CBS Sports also featured him as a studio host during its NCAA Tournament coverage.

Beyond television, Burleson has pursued creative and business interests. He has worked in music, poetry, art, fashion, restaurants, and podcasting. He is married to Atoya Burleson, and they have three children.

Today, Nate Burleson remains recognized for combining his NFL experience with broadcasting and entertainment. His career demonstrates his transition from professional football into mainstream television.

Nate Burleson Age | How Old Is Nate Burleson?

Nate Burleson is 45 years old as of October 2026. He was born on August 19, 1981, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Burleson later grew up in Seattle, Washington, where he developed his passion for football. Before entering television, he built an 11-year NFL career as a wide receiver. He played for the Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks, and Detroit Lions. After retiring from professional football, Burleson successfully transitioned into broadcasting and entertainment. Today, he serves as a co-host of CBS Mornings and a CBS Sports analyst, combining his sports experience with his television career.

Nate Burleson Height | How Tall Is Nate Burleson?

Nate Burleson stands 6 feet (1.83 meters) tall. His height helped him compete effectively as a wide receiver during his professional football career. Burleson played 11 seasons in the NFL, representing the Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks, and Detroit Lions. His athletic build supported his success as both a receiver and punt returner. After retiring from football, he transitioned into television and broadcasting. He works as a CBS Mornings co-host and CBS Sports analyst, continuing his career in the media industry.

Nate Burleson Ethnicity

Nate Burleson is Black and has African ancestry. He was born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and later grew up in Seattle, Washington. His father, Al Burleson, played professional football in the Canadian Football League. Burleson has embraced both his Black heritage and Canadian roots throughout his life. His background reflects his family’s connection to professional sports and North American culture. Although he built his career in the United States, his Canadian birthplace remains an important part of his identity. He later became a successful NFL player and television personality.

Nate Burleson Education

Nate Burleson completed his high school education at O’Dea High School in Seattle, Washington. He initially attended Lindbergh High School before transferring to O’Dea, where he graduated. During high school, Burleson excelled in football and track and field. He later attended the University of Nevada, Reno, where he majored in communications. At Nevada, Burleson established himself as a standout wide receiver for the Wolf Pack. In 2002, he earned All-America honors and first-team All-WAC recognition. He also set a school record with 138 receptions that season. His strong college performance eventually helped him enter the NFL Draft in 2003.

Nate Burleson Wife | Is Nate Burleson married?

Nate Burleson is married to Atoya Burleson, and the couple has built a family together. Atoya has supported Nate throughout his transition from professional football to broadcasting. The couple has also shared personal experiences through their public work and family life. In 2024, Nate and Atoya explored her family’s history in Tulsa, Oklahoma, including her ancestors’ connections to the historic Greenwood district. Their story appeared on CBS Mornings as they traced the businesses once owned by her family. Nate and Atoya have three children: Nathaniel, Nehemiah, and Mia Pearl. The family currently lives in New Jersey. Nate has often highlighted the importance of family while discussing his career and life beyond football.

Nate Burleson Children

Nate Burleson has three children with his wife, Atoya Burleson: Nathaniel, Nehemiah, and Mia Pearl. The family lives in New Jersey, where Burleson continues his broadcasting career. His two sons, Nathaniel and Nehemiah, have followed their father’s passion for football. In 2024, Nehemiah began attending the University of Nevada, where he joined the football team alongside his older brother, Nathaniel II. Meanwhile, his daughter Mia Pearl has pursued interests outside football. Burleson has previously described her as creative and passionate about art, writing, and theater. Therefore, his children have developed different interests while growing up in the Burleson family.

Nate Burleson Family | Parents and Siblings

Nate Burleson comes from a close-knit family with a strong sporting background. His parents are Al Burleson Sr. and Valerie Burleson, who raised four sons in Washington. His father played professional football and later focused on raising his family. His mother supported her sons throughout their athletic careers. Nate grew up alongside three brothers, Alvin Jr., Kevin, and Lyndale Burleson. Moreover, each brother pursued sports at competitive levels. Kevin played professional basketball, while Lyndale played college basketball at Nevada. Alvin Jr. also played football at the University of Washington. The family’s sporting tradition influenced Nate’s early development and career. His son, Nathaniel II, later continued this connection with the University of Nevada football program.

Nate Burleson NFL Career | Teams, Stats and Football Journey

Nate Burleson enjoyed an 11-season NFL career as a wide receiver from 2003 to 2013. The Minnesota Vikings selected him in the third round of the 2003 NFL Draft. He started his professional career with Minnesota and quickly became an important receiving option.

In 2004, Burleson recorded his first 1,000-yard receiving season, finishing with 68 receptions for 1,006 yards and nine touchdowns. He later joined the Seattle Seahawks, where he continued contributing as a receiver and return specialist. In 2007, he posted 50 receptions for 694 yards and nine touchdowns.

Burleson then signed with the Detroit Lions in 2010. He produced three productive seasons with Detroit before injuries limited his final NFL campaign. He finished his career with 457 receptions, 5,630 receiving yards, and 39 receiving touchdowns. Additionally, he recorded 1,286 kickoff-return yards and 1,523 punt-return yards. After retiring from football, Burleson successfully transitioned into sports broadcasting and television.

Nate Burleson CBS Mornings and CBS Sports

Nate Burleson expanded his broadcasting career after joining CBS Sports in 2017. He initially worked as a studio analyst for The NFL Today, bringing his NFL experience to sports coverage. He later expanded into news broadcasting when he joined CBS Mornings in September 2021. As a CBS Mornings co-host, Burleson covers major stories, interviews public figures, and contributes to the program’s daily discussions.

He also continues his role as an Emmy-winning CBS Sports studio analyst. Additionally, CBS Sports selected him as a studio host for its 2026 NCAA Tournament coverage. In September 2026, Norah O’Donnell joined Gayle King and Burleson as a CBS Mornings co-host. Therefore, Burleson remains an important part of CBS’s morning and sports programming.

Nate Burleson Salary | What is Nate Burleson’s salary?

Nate Burleson earns approximately $2.7 million annually. Burleson joined CBS Sports in 2017 as a studio analyst for The NFL Today. Since September 2021, he has also served as a CBS Mornings co-host. Additionally, he continues his work as an Emmy-winning CBS Sports analyst. His television career provides his primary current income after his NFL retirement. During his football career, Burleson earned about $33.3 million in NFL career earnings. Therefore, Burleson’s estimated annual compensation of $2.7 million reflects his successful transition from professional football to television broadcasting.

Nate Burleson Net Worth

Nate Burleson’s net worth is estimated at around $18 million in 2026. He built his wealth through his successful NFL career and expanding broadcasting career. Burleson spent 11 seasons in the NFL, playing for teams including the Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks, and Detroit Lions. After retiring from football, he successfully moved into television and sports broadcasting. He joined CBS Sports in 2017 and later became a co-host of CBS Mornings in 2021.

Additionally, he contributes to several CBS Sports programs and hosts NFL Slimetime. His diverse media roles provide significant income alongside his previous football earnings. Burleson also benefits from brand partnerships and other business ventures. Therefore, his estimated $18 million net worth reflects decades of earnings across football, television, and entertainment.

Biography Summary