In New York, Nate Burleson says he put the full-court press on Russell Wilson when Wilson visited CBS Sports last year—calling his on-camera talent obvious. Burleson also frames his new role as Wilson’s on-desk “sidekick,” expecting the duo and Kyle Long to br
Nate Burleson isn’t just settling into CBS Sports—he’s already laying claim to how the show’s next era took shape.
Fresh off the news of Russell Wilson’s retirement and move to CBS Sports. the athlete-turned-TV host spoke in New York about why he believes the former Seahawk can thrive as a talking head. Burleson says Wilson’s abilities on camera are so strong he could’ve gone “to any network. ” and that’s why he decided to recruit him the moment Wilson visited the set last year.
Burleson described what he did as a “full-court press” during that visit, framing his belief in Wilson as something he didn’t need to guess at. In his view, the key is for Wilson to stay himself—bringing the same passion, heart, and authenticity he showed on the gridiron into his new TV role.
The plan, as Burleson tells it, isn’t only about Wilson’s performance. Burleson says he’s going to embrace being Wilson’s sidekick on the desk—saying he’ll be the “Robin” to Wilson’s “Batman.” And with Wilson joining Kyle Long on the desk. Burleson expects they’ll have reason to celebrate later. pointing to Emmy trophies as a realistic goal.
Published June 5, 2026, at 12:30 AM PDT, the comments land as Burleson prepares to welcome Wilson into a new spotlight—one Burleson seems confident Wilson was built for.
Nate Burleson Russell Wilson CBS Sports Kyle Long Emmy TV talking head Seahawks