In the pantheon of NFL wide receivers, Nate Burleson might not always be the first name that comes to mind, yet his career is a testament to consistency and versatility. A former NFL wide receiver, Burleson's career spanned 11 seasons and was marked by noteworthy achievements, including a total of 5,630 receiving yards and 39 touchdowns. His standout season came in 2004, when he eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark, showcasing his ability to perform at an elite level.
Burleson's Quarterback Cohorts
Throughout his career, Burleson had the opportunity to catch passes from several prominent quarterbacks, including Daunte Culpepper, Matt Hasselbeck, and Matthew Stafford. Reflecting on his time with Stafford, Burleson remarked, "I do feel like he's gonna be really good." This foresight seems prophetic as Stafford's career has developed, culminating in a Super Bowl victory with the Los Angeles Rams.
Burleson's appreciation for talented quarterbacks doesn't end there. Discussing the possibility of teaming up with Patrick Mahomes, Burleson was succinct yet enthusiastic: "Definitely." Mahomes, currently the Kansas City Chiefs' quarterback, is recognized as one of the NFL's elite players and a reigning Super Bowl MVP. The idea of pairing Burleson's route-running expertise with Mahomes' arm strength is an enticing fantasy for NFL fans.
The Versatility of Lamar Jackson
Burleson also heaped praise on Lamar Jackson, the electric quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens. His excitement about Jackson’s playmaking ability was evident: "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 Joe Burrow's Swag
Another quarterback who has caught Burleson's eye is Joe Burrow, the Cincinnati Bengals’ young star. "I like his swag," Burleson commented. It's clear that Burrows' confidence and on-field demeanor resonate with a seasoned veteran like Burleson, who values not just skill, but the intangible qualities of leadership and poise under pressure.
The Curious Case of Michael Penix Jr.
Michael Penix Jr., currently the backup quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, also drew praise from Burleson. Describing Penix, Burleson said, "Throws a pretty, pretty football. And he's gonna be one of the most accurate quarterbacks. And I've never played with a left-hander." This unusually high compliment suggests that Burleson sees potential in the young quarterback that others might have overlooked, making him a player to watch in the coming seasons.
Veteran Leadership from Kirk Cousins
The Falcons' quarterback room also includes veteran Kirk Cousins. With his established history in the league, Cousins provides invaluable experience and mentorship, elements that can never be overstated in a team's pursuit of success. Given Burleson's insights into other quarterbacks, it's only fitting to speculate he would offer similar respect for Cousins' career achievements and abilities.
Russell Wilson's Deep Ball Mastery
One particular quarterback who has left a lasting impression on Burleson is Russell Wilson. Currently engaged in a quarterback battle with Justin Fields for the Pittsburgh Steelers' starting job, Wilson is a Super Bowl champion with 334 career touchdown passes. Burleson speaks highly of Wilson's skills: "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's storied career and insightful commentary offer a fascinating lens through which to view some of the NFL's current and upcoming quarterback talents. His experience on the field, coupled with his ability to articulate the nuances of the game, makes him a valuable voice in football analysis. While he may have hung up his cleats, Burleson's impact on the game continues off the field, offering fans and analysts alike a deeper understanding of what makes these quarterbacks special.