Nate Burleson Reflects on Memorable NFL Career and Insights on Current Quarterbacks
Nate Burleson, the former NFL wide receiver known for his 11-season tenure in the league, recently shared his thoughts on his career and the current crop of quarterbacks in the NFL. Renowned for his agility and game intelligence, Burleson accumulated an impressive 5,630 career receiving yards and 39 touchdowns. His standout year remains 2004 when he eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark.
Reflecting on his career, Burleson highlighted the diverse set of quarterbacks he played with, including Daunte Culpepper, Matt Hasselbeck, and Matthew Stafford. Speaking of Stafford, Burleson remarked, "I do feel like he's gonna be really good," showcasing his confidence in the Los Angeles Rams' signal-caller.
Beyond his career reflections, Burleson shared some notable opinions on today’s elite quarterbacks. One of the names that cropped up prominently was Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs. With Mahomes being a reigning Super Bowl MVP and widely regarded as one of the NFL's elite quarterbacks, Burleson didn't hide his excitement about the prospect of teaming up with him. When asked about the possibility, he enthusiastically responded, "Definitely."
Burleson's admiration extended to Baltimore Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson. He articulated the unique challenges and opportunities presented by Jackson's dynamic playstyle. "If I ran one route and he starts running in the pocket, that DB’s eyes are gonna go directly to the quarterback," Burleson explained. "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."
Another young quarterback who caught Burleson's eye is Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals. "I like his swag," Burleson said, capturing the essence of Burrow's charismatic on-field presence.
Burleson also expressed a keen interest in the lesser-known but promising talents like 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, praising Penix’s potential.
Of course, the conversation couldn't be complete without mentioning some of the veteran quarterbacks making headlines. Kirk Cousins, another stalwart for the Atlanta Falcons, continues to show his knack and experience on the field. Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback situation presents an intriguing dynamic. Burleson weighed in on the battle between Russell Wilson and Justin Fields for the starting job. With high praises for Wilson, Burleson stated, "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, a Super Bowl champion with an impressive 334 career touchdown passes, evidently has what it takes to lead the Steelers effectively.
Burleson's insights offer a unique blend of past experiences and present-day evaluations. His career, defined by versatility and resilience, provides a rich backdrop against which his opinions hold considerable weight. As Burleson continues to engage with the sport, both as a commentator and supporter, his perspectives remain invaluable for fans and analysts alike.
Nate Burleson’s reflections and observations underscore his deep understanding of the game and its evolving dynamics. Whether reminiscing about his own accomplishments or evaluating today’s quarterbacks, his insights continue to enrich the discourse surrounding professional football.