When I look at the journey of Nathaniel Burleson II, I see more than the story of a college football player. I see someone growing inside one of football’s most recognizable modern families while steadily shaping an identity that belongs to him alone. Being the eldest son of former NFL star and television personality Nate Burleson naturally brings attention, yet Nathaniel has chosen a quieter path built on patience, development, and steady progress.
Standing around 6 foot 2 and weighing approximately 166 pounds, Nathaniel possesses the lean athletic frame of a receiver capable of stretching the field. His football career has not been defined by instant stardom. Instead, it has reflected persistence, steady improvement, and a willingness to embrace challenges that many athletes never experience.
Growing Up Inside an Athletic Family
Nathaniel Burleson II was born around early May 2004, becoming the first child of Nate Burleson and Atoya Shaw Burleson. By mid 2026, he is approximately 22 years old.
Sports surrounded him from the very beginning. His father built an impressive 11 season NFL career while his mother excelled as one of the University of Nevada’s standout track athletes. Rather than growing up under pressure alone, Nathaniel experienced a household where discipline, preparation, and family support existed side by side.
The family’s journey stretched across several places. Their roots remained connected to Seattle and Nevada, while much of Nathaniel’s childhood unfolded in New Jersey communities including Franklin Lakes and Ramsey. Those different environments exposed him to competitive athletics while keeping family relationships at the center of daily life.
As the oldest sibling, Nathaniel also naturally became a role model inside the household. Family members have often described him as energetic, humorous, and someone capable of bringing excitement into any room. Behind the football helmet stood a dependable older brother who enjoyed statistics, competition, and making others laugh.
A Father Who Reinvented Himself
Nathaniel’s father, Nate Burleson, provides one of the most fascinating examples of career evolution in modern sports.
After earning All American recognition at Nevada, Nate entered the NFL and played for the Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks, and Detroit Lions. Across 11 seasons he accumulated 457 receptions, 5,630 receiving yards, and 39 touchdown catches.
Retirement never slowed his momentum.
Beginning with NFL Network and the launch of Good Morning Football in 2016, he quickly became one of television’s most recognizable football analysts. His broadcasting career expanded rapidly.
| Career Stage | Highlights |
|---|---|
| NFL Career | 11 seasons, 457 receptions, 5,630 yards, 39 touchdowns |
| NFL Network | Original co host of Good Morning Football |
| CBS Sports | Analyst on The NFL Today beginning in 2017 |
| CBS Mornings | National morning show co host since 2021 |
| Entertainment | Host of Hollywood Squares, NFL Slimetime, Kids’ Choice Awards appearances |
| Awards | Multiple Emmy Awards for sports broadcasting |
What makes his influence especially meaningful for Nathaniel is not simply professional success.
Nate Burleson has repeatedly encouraged his oldest son to write his own story rather than chasing someone else’s accomplishments. He often speaks about “controlling the narrative,” reminding Nathaniel that family history should become inspiration rather than a burden.
That advice may ultimately become one of the greatest gifts a famous parent can offer.
Atoya Burleson Brings Another Championship Legacy
Nathaniel inherited athletic excellence from both sides of the family.
His mother, Atoya Shaw Burleson, established herself as one of Nevada’s outstanding track athletes. She specialized in hurdles, won a conference championship in the 100 meter hurdles, helped Nevada capture the 2000 Big West outdoor title, and later earned induction into the Nevada Wolf Pack Hall of Fame.
Her career after athletics has been equally diverse.
She has become a lifestyle creator, podcast co host, entrepreneur, and active supporter of each of her children’s ambitions. Throughout Nathaniel’s college career, she has regularly celebrated milestones while balancing business ventures and family responsibilities.
Her Hall of Fame induction also created a memorable family chapter because it occurred around the same period Nathaniel scored his first collegiate touchdown.
Those two achievements reflected two generations contributing to the same university legacy.
Brothers and Sister Growing Together
Nathaniel and his younger siblings have a tight bond.
Born circa 2006, his brother Nehemiah Burleson played football as an edge rusher and defensive lineman. He joined Nevada after graduating from Ramapo High School in New Jersey, and in early 2026, he and Nathaniel transferred to the University of New Haven.
Something more profound than football was revealed by their joint transfer.
The brothers proceeded to build their adventures together rather than in opposition to one another.
Mia Pearl Burleson, their younger sister, enjoys sports but has pursued very other artistic endeavors. She has posed for big sports companies, had appearances on Nickelodeon’s NFL Slimetime, and developed passions for writing, dancing, and singing.
The three siblings serve as an example of the family’s conviction that there is no one right way to achieve success.
A Family Tree Filled With Athletes
Nathaniel belongs to a remarkable athletic family that stretches across multiple generations.
His grandfather, Alvin “Al” Burleson Sr., played defensive back at the University of Washington before continuing into professional football in the Canadian Football League and the USFL.
His paternal uncles each built impressive athletic careers.
- Alvin Burleson Jr. competed in college football.
- Kevin Burleson reached the NBA before becoming a professional coach.
- Lyndale Burleson starred in basketball at Nevada, winning conference championships and earning all defensive honors.
The athletic influence extends through his mother’s side as well.
His uncle Joey Shaw played basketball at Nevada, while members of Atoya’s family also share connections to notable entrepreneurial history reaching back generations.
This family resembles a relay race where every generation confidently passes the baton to the next.
Building His Own Football Career
Nathaniel’s football development followed a slower path than many highly recruited prospects.
He attended both Don Bosco Prep and Ramapo High School in New Jersey while participating in football and basketball.
His football numbers remained modest because opportunities were limited, yet he demonstrated big play ability whenever the ball reached him.
As a basketball player, he averaged approximately 11.5 points and 2.6 rebounds during one varsity season while displaying efficient outside shooting.
College recruiters viewed him more as a developmental athlete than an immediate impact player.
That perspective suited Nathaniel well.
In December 2022, he committed to the University of Nevada as a preferred walk on, continuing a family tradition established by both parents and several relatives.
Nevada Football Years
Nathaniel’s college career has been built on patience.
His 2023 freshman season included a redshirt year while appearing in three games. He recorded two receptions for 18 yards, making his collegiate debut against USC before catching his first pass against Wyoming.
Greater opportunities arrived during 2024.
Playing in nine games with two starts, he finished with three receptions for 71 yards while catching his first career touchdown. That memorable 46 yard scoring play came against Fresno State and showcased the vertical speed coaches believed he possessed.
His progress continued during 2025.
Nathaniel appeared in 11 games, started four contests, and recorded three receptions for 58 yards, including a long gain of 45 yards against Fresno State.
Across three seasons at Nevada, his career totals included approximately:
| Season | Games | Starts | Receptions | Yards | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 18 | 0 |
| 2024 | 9 | 2 | 3 | 71 | 1 |
| 2025 | 11 | 4 | 3 | 58 | 0 |
| Career | 23 | 6 | 8 | 147 | 1 |
Although those numbers may appear modest, they only tell part of the story.
Coaches increasingly trusted him in meaningful situations because of his speed, route development, and willingness to contribute whenever called upon.
A New Chapter at New Haven
Following the 2025 season, Nathaniel entered the transfer portal.
Soon afterward, both he and Nehemiah committed to the University of New Haven, which had recently transitioned into Football Championship Subdivision competition.
The move represented more than simply changing uniforms.
It offered fresh opportunities for increased playing time, greater responsibility, and continued athletic growth while remaining close to family support.
Nathaniel entered this next chapter carrying valuable experience gained from three seasons within a Football Bowl Subdivision program.
Living Beyond the Spotlight
Nathaniel Burleson II’s tale is fascinating because of how meticulously he has kept his life relatively quiet.
His social media profile is still small, in contrast to many children of well-known television personalities. His parents’ supportive posts, football successes, or family gatherings are typically how the public finds out about him.
That more subdued attitude appears to fit his nature as a whole.
Nathaniel has concentrated on developing as a student athlete while letting his performances speak for themselves rather than chasing attention.
His mother records significant family memories with clear pride, while his father frequently travels to games, happily embracing the role of “Pack Dad.” Their encouragement fosters a culture in which family ties are never overshadowed by sports success.
FAQ
Who is Nathaniel Burleson II?
Nathaniel Burleson II is an American college football wide receiver and the eldest son of former NFL player and television personality Nate Burleson and former Nevada track star Atoya Burleson.
How old is Nathaniel Burleson II?
He was born around early May 2004, making him approximately 22 years old during mid 2026.
Which colleges has Nathaniel Burleson II attended?
He began his college football career at the University of Nevada before transferring to the University of New Haven alongside his younger brother Nehemiah in early 2026.
What position does Nathaniel Burleson II play?
He plays wide receiver and is known primarily for his speed, vertical receiving ability, and athletic upside.
Who are Nathaniel Burleson II’s siblings?
His younger brother is Nehemiah Burleson, a football defensive lineman, and his younger sister is Mia Pearl Burleson, who has appeared on children’s sports television while also pursuing creative interests.
What makes the Burleson family unique?
The family features multiple generations of accomplished athletes across football, basketball, and track. Nathaniel’s parents, grandparents, uncles, and siblings have all participated in high level athletics, while his father has also become one of America’s most recognizable television personalities after retiring from the NFL.
