Another former NFL player who used to star on Sunday afternoons and Monday nights is making the jump to a major network weekday morning show.
Following in the cleatsteps of Hall-of-Fame defensive end Michael Strahan becoming a co-host of Good Morning America, retired standout receiver Nate Burleson will become a co-host of CBS This Morning alongside Gayle King and Tony Dokoupil starting in September as part of a new long-term contract with the network.
Burleson, who played for the Vikings, Seahawks and Lions in an 11-year career that spanned from 2003 through 2013, was already working on the network as a cast member on The NFL Today and caught the eye of producers when he served as a guest host on the weekday morning show in June. The 35-year-old is replacing longtime journalist Anthony Mason, who will remain with CBS.
In addition to retaining some sort of presence on the NFL Network, where he has served as a cast member of Good Morning Football since the show hit the air five years ago, Burleson will continue in his game-day role as an analyst on Sundays alongside host James Brown and Phil Simms, Bill Cowher and Boomer Esiason. He will also make regular appearances on the company’s sibling network Nickelodeon.
“Nate is an extremely gifted broadcaster, interviewer and storyteller, whose deep curiosity and enthusiasm is the perfect fit for mornings on CBS,” said CBS News president Neeraj Khemlani. “His wide range of experience and interests — from news to sports, from music to poetry and from fashion to cryptocurrency — provides a unique perspective that will deepen the show’s connection with our viewers. He excites audiences in every arena, and we’re fortunate to have Nate joining Gayle and Tony at the table in September.”
Burleson was the only former NFL player on Good Morning Football, and it will be interesting to see who the NFL Network inks to be his replacement. Burleson joined CBS Sports in 2017.
“We are so pleased that Nate will be expanding his role across the ViacomCBS family, bringing his passion for news, sports, entertainment and kids’ content all under one umbrella,” said CBS Sports chairman Sean McManus. “Nate is a very special talent with the unique ability to connect and engage with a variety of audiences, ages, newsmakers and athletes. We know his star will shine bright on CBS This Morning and during his projects with Nickelodeon, while he continues to elevate us all at The NFL Today.”
More Like This
Whether you’re looking to get into shape, or just get out of a funk, The Charge has got you covered. Sign up for our new wellness newsletter today.
