Nate Burleson played in the National Football League for 11 seasons across multiple teams. His combination of size, speed, and sure hands made him one of the more reliable receivers of his era.
Below is a structured overview of his professional timeline, including draft details, teams, and key performance highlights.
| Season | Team | Games | Rec | Yards | TD | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Detroit Lions | 16 | 54 | 742 | 6 | |
| 2004 | Detroit Lions | 16 | 47 | 523 | 1 | |
| 2005 | Detroit Lions | 16 | 72 | 1,085 | 7 | |
| 2006 | Seattle Seahawks | 16 | 83 | 1,062 | 10 | |
| 2007 | Seattle Seahawks | 16 | 78 | 1,011 | 7 | |
| 2008 | Seattle Seahawks | 16 | 81 | 978 | 3 | |
| 2009 | Seattle Seahawks | 16 | 61 | 664 | 2 | |
| 2010 | Seattle Seahawks | 16 | 59 | 652 | 3 | |
| 2011 | Seattle Seahawks | 16 | 58 | 601 | 4 | |
| 2012 | Houston Texans | 16 | 48 | 584 | 2 | 8 |
| 2013 | Houston Texans | 16 | 59 | 623 | 3 | |
| 2014 | Houston Texans | 16 | 43 | 477 | 3 | |
| 2015 | Houston Texans | 16 | 55 | 602 | 3 |
Nate Burleson NFL Draft and Entry Into the League
The Detroit Lions selected Nate Burleson in the third round of the 2003 NFL Draft with the 77th overall pick. He played college football at Nevada and brought a reliable target and deep threat profile to a young Lions receiving corps.
Early Career with the Detroit Lions
Burleson spent his first three seasons in Detroit, where he developed quickly into one of the team’s most consistent offensive weapons. In 2005, he recorded his first 1,000-yard season with 1,085 yards and seven touchdowns, establishing himself as a premier slot receiver.
Peak Years with the Seattle Seahawks
Before the 2006 season, the Lions traded Burleson to the Seattle Seahawks. He thrived in Pete Carroll’s offense and recorded four consecutive seasons with at least 80 catches. His 2008 campaign stands as one of his most productive, highlighted by big-play ability and elite red-zone production.
Later Seasons and Final Years
Burleson returned to the field after a brief hiatus and signed with the Houston Texans in 2012. He contributed as a veteran presence and steady target for three seasons in Houston before retiring after the 2015 campaign, concluding an 11-year career.
Key Takeaways
- Nate Burleson played 11 seasons in the NFL from 2003 to 2015.
- He recorded 757 receptions for 9,541 yards and 41 touchdowns.
- His best statistical season came in 2005 with 1,085 yards and 7 touchdowns.
- He earned two Pro Bowl selections and appeared in Super Bowl XL.
FAQ
Reader questions
How many total games did Nate Burleson play in the NFL?
He appeared in 176 regular season games, starting the vast majority of them and missing very few contests due to injury.
Which team did Nate Burleson play for the longest?
His longest tenure was with the Seattle Seahawks, where he played five full seasons from 2006 through 2010.
Did Nate Burleson ever reach the Super Bowl during his career?
He reached Super Bowl XL with the Seahawks in the 2005 season, though Seattle fell short of a championship.
What were Nate Burleson’s career receiving totals?
He finished with 757 receptions for 9,541 yards and 41 touchdowns, along with two Pro Bowl selections.