Nate Burleson carved out a notable career as an NFL wide receiver, spanning 11 seasons and totaling 5,630 receiving yards and 39 touchdowns. His standout season came in 2004 when he broke the 1,000-yard barrier, etching his name among the league’s elite. During his career, Burleson caught passes from some of the top quarterbacks of his era, including Daunte Culpepper, Matt Hasselbeck, and Matthew Stafford.
Burleson holds Matthew Stafford in high regard. Reflecting on Stafford's abilities, he remarked, "I do feel like he's gonna be really good." Such words underscore the wide receiver’s appreciation for Stafford's skill set and potential, which Stafford has demonstrated abundantly through his career.
Burleson on Quarterback Teammates
Another quarterback Burleson would have loved to team up with is Kansas City Chiefs' star Patrick Mahomes, another MVP and Super Bowl champion in the NFL. When asked about the possibility, Burleson enthusiastically responded, "Definitely." Mahomes' dynamic and innovative gameplay makes him one of the top quarterbacks in the league, earning him admiration from former players and fans alike.
Baltimore Ravens’ Lamar Jackson also impressed Burleson with his unique playing style. The wide receiver explained the challenges defenses face when Jackson breaks the pocket, saying, "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." Burleson's keen insight into Jackson's scrambling ability highlights why Jackson is one of the toughest quarterbacks to defend against.
Insights on Emerging and Current Stars
When speaking about young quarterbacks, Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals caught Burleson’s attention, not just for his play but his personality. "I like his swag," Burleson commented. Burrow, known for his calm demeanor and leadership, seems to encapsulate the qualities Burleson appreciates in a quarterback.
Mentioning Michael Penix Jr., currently the backup quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, Burleson observed, "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." This high praise suggests Burleson’s belief in Penix’s potential to become an elite passer in the league.
Veterans in the Spotlight
One veteran quarterback Burleson did not hold back his admiration for is Russell Wilson. The Super Bowl champion is currently in a quarterback battle with Justin Fields for the Pittsburgh Steelers' starting job. Burleson reflected on Wilson's skill, particularly praising his long-range passing, "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." With 334 career touchdown passes under his belt, Wilson’s expertise could offer the Steelers a significant competitive edge.
Burleson also mentioned Kirk Cousins, another veteran quarterback navigating the trenches of the NFL. Cousins, playing for the Atlanta Falcons, brings a wealth of experience and capability, further solidifying his place in the league.
As Burleson reflects on these quarterbacks, it's clear that his insights are shaped not just by his own on-field experience but by a deep understanding of the nuances of quarterback play. Each quarterback, whether an emerging talent or established veteran, brings unique strengths to the field, making the NFL an ever-evolving spectacle of athletic prowess and strategic brilliance.