What is Nate Burleson's Net Worth and Salary?
Nate Burleson is a Canadian television host and former professional football player with a net worth of $18 million. During his NFL career, Nate played for teams like the Minnesota Vikings, the Seattle Seahawks, and the Detroit Lions. He played college football at the University of Nevada. After retiring, Nate pursued a career as a TV host with networks like CBS and Nickelodeon. He also covers entertainment news and performs as a musical artist under the stage name "New Balance."
Early Years
Nathaniel Eugene Burleson was born on August 19th, 1981, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Raised in a footballing family, his father played for the Calgary Stampeders, and his brothers also pursued professional sports careers in football and basketball. When his father began playing in the United States Football League, the family moved to the United States and then resettled in Seattle where Nate became a star athlete in high school, earning the Athlete of the Year Award in Seattle.
After high school, Nate attended the University of Nevada where he set several records, ultimately leading the NCAA in receiving yards and receptions per game. He finished with 22 touchdowns and was given first-team All-American honors.
NFL Career
Burleson was picked in the third round of the 2003 NFL Draft, joining the Minnesota Vikings. Although his rookie season saw limited action, he excelled by 2004, recording 1,000 receiving yards and becoming a key player when Randy Moss was injured. Nate also became renowned for his special teams play, returning three punts for more than 90 yards, a unique NFL record.
In 2006, Nate signed a seven-year, $49 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks. He impressed with his performance but faced a setback in 2008 due to a knee injury. Despite this, Nate holds the franchise record for most career punt return yards with the Seahawks.
(Photo by John Parra/Getty Images for ESPN)
In 2010, Nate moved to the Detroit Lions with a five-year, $25 million deal. He spent three successful years before fracturing his forearm in a car accident in 2013. Although he was released in 2014 and signed briefly with the Cleveland Browns, he retired soon after. Post-retirement, Nate stayed active in sports as a wide receiver coach in New Jersey.
Entertainment Career
Nate began exploring broadcasting in 2012 and joined NFL Network in 2014 immediately after retiring. He became a color commentator for the Detroit Lions Television Network and later hosted "Good Morning Football." He also served as a studio analyst for "NFL on CBS" and collaborated with Nickelodeon and Paramount+. Nate won his first Sports Emmy Award in 2021.
Under the stage name "New Balance," Nate Burleson is also a rapper and has collaborated with Wizdom on multiple tracks.
NFL Earnings
Nate Burleson earned approximately $33 million during his NFL career, averaging $3 million per season. He earned $17 million with the Lions and $14.5 million with the Seahawks. Interestingly, Nate spent his first paycheck on a new car and some fake jewelry, knowingly purchasing knock-offs believing no one would suspect an NFL player.
Real Estate
In 2016, Nate Burleson listed his Newcastle, Washington home for $2.95 million. The residence boasts 8,871 square feet, six bedrooms, a fireplace, a study, hardwood floors, a full bar, a gym, and a movie theater.
