Eight years after last playing in the NFL, Nate Burleson is still making plays. CBS announced Wednesday a new long-term deal with "The NFL Today" analyst, expanding the former wide receiver's platform across CBS News and CBS Sports. Most notably, starting this September, Burleson will join "CBS This Morning," the network's flagship morning program, as co-host alongside Gayle King and Tony Dokoupil.
Burleson, 39, has been a CBS regular since 2017, when he joined "The NFL Today," the network's pregame, halftime and post-game TV show. He'll continue in his game-day role as analyst alongside host James Brown and co-analysts Phil Simms, Bill Cowher and Boomer Esiason under his new deal. From Monday through Saturday, however, he'll now join King and Dokoupil on "CBS This Morning" in place of longtime journalist Anthony Mason, who will also remain with CBS.
"Nate is an extremely gifted broadcaster, interviewer and storyteller, whose deep curiosity and enthusiasm is the perfect fit for mornings on CBS," said Neeraj Khemlani, president and co-head of CBS News and Stations. "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."
It's not goodbye, it's see you later.
— GMFB (@gmfb) August 11, 2021
So proud of our guy @nateburleson. pic.twitter.com/tgBBAauKCf
Burleson, who appeared on "CBS This Morning" as a guest host in May, will also have select yearly appearances on Nickelodeon as part of his new contract. Nickelodeon debuted special kids-themed NFL coverage in 2020, including with a full playoff broadcast, complete with Burleson serving as part of the broadcast team.
"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.'"
Burleson will also continue to have a role on NFL Network, where he most recently served as a host for the Emmy-nominated "Good Morning Football." He is slated to appear on several shows, including "NFL GameDay" and "NFL Total Access," as well as provide onsite coverage of Super Bow week, NFL Honors and training camp.
