Former NFL wide receiver Nate Burleson, who carved out an impressive career over 11 seasons, recently shared his insights and reflections on some of the league's top talents, both past and present. Burleson, who tallied a total of 5,630 receiving yards and caught 39 touchdowns, remains a respected voice in football circles.
Reflecting on the Past
Burleson's standout season came in 2004 when he broke the 1,000-yard mark, showcasing his exceptional talent. Throughout his career, he had the opportunity to catch passes from notable quarterbacks including Daunte Culpepper, Matt Hasselbeck, and Matthew Stafford.
Speaking about Stafford, Burleson remarked, "I do feel like he's gonna be really good," indicating that he sees a bright future for his former teammate. Indeed, Stafford has gone on to secure his place among the top quarterbacks of his era.
Admiration for Today's Stars
When asked about the possibility of teaming up with Kansas City Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes, Burleson responded confidently, "Definitely.” Mahomes, a reigning Super Bowl MVP, has rapidly established himself as one of the NFL's elite quarterbacks.
Burleson also shared his thoughts on Baltimore Ravens’ Lamar Jackson. Describing the potential synergy between his own route-running and Jackson’s dynamic playmaking, 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." Such insights reveal Burleson's understanding of the complexities of the game.
High Praise for Young Talent
When discussing Cincinnati Bengals' quarterback Joe Burrow, Burleson succinctly stated, "I like his swag." This brief but telling comment highlights Burleson's recognition of Burrow's confidence and presence on the field.
Reflecting on Michael Penix Jr., currently the backup quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, Burleson commented, "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." His admiration for Penix Jr.'s skill set suggests high expectations for the young quarterback's future.
Battles in Pittsburgh
Burleson also weighed in on the quarterback situation with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where Russell Wilson is in a battle with Justin Fields for the starting job. "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," Burleson said. Wilson, a Super Bowl champion with 334 career touchdown passes, undoubtedly brings a wealth of experience and skill to the competition.
These reflections and endorsements from Nate Burleson offer valuable perspectives on both his time in the NFL and the current state of the league. His observations remind us of the intricate connections and shared respect that define professional football, enriching the ongoing narrative of the sport.