Nate Burleson had a successful career as a wide receiver, spending some of his most notable years with the Seattle Seahawks.
He was known for his ability to make big plays, his versatility on the field, and his leadership in the locker room.
After retiring from the NFL, he smoothly transitioned into a broadcasting career, where he continued to enjoy the spotlight as a co-host on several popular shows, including “Good Morning Football” on NFL Network and “CBS Mornings.”
His charisma and insight into the game have made him a beloved figure both on and off the field.
“We score touchdowns and do the dance and get people up on their feet. We’re the ones that love all the eyes on us.”
“So when he tore his ACL and had to miss most of the 2008 season, his mental health began to flounder.”
“I realized how quickly the game will move on, and it took me into the space of uncertainty,” he recalls.
“And at that point, I never have dealt with anything like that. I was blessed enough to have a mom and dad that provided for us. I didn’t really go through too many trials and errors. But in that moment, I felt so much solitude.”
Nate Burleson’s story highlights the profound challenges many athletes face when dealing with the pressures of their careers, especially during transitions like injury recovery or retirement.
Despite his success on the field and the support of his wife, Atoya, Burleson struggled with anxiety, uncertainty, and a sense of lost identity.
The stress of wondering whether he could return to his previous form and the fear of having made the wrong financial decisions weighed heavily on him.
These doubts led him to cope in unhealthy ways, including excessive drinking, which escalated to the point where he began consuming large amounts of alcohol alone in his hotel room.
Burleson’s experience is a stark reminder of how even the most successful individuals can struggle with mental health issues, particularly when their identity is so closely tied to their profession.
His description of waking up fully dressed on top of his sheets, feeling as though he was in a casket, underscores the depth of his distress.
Fortunately, Burleson was able to recognize his situation and eventually find a path forward, but his story is an important example of the mental health challenges faced by athletes and the importance of seeking help during tough times.
Nate Burleson’s moment of realization was a turning point in his life, as he recognized the need to make a choice about his future and how he would cope with the challenges ahead.
Faced with the decision of whether to continue his harmful coping mechanisms or to confront his struggles head-on, he chose to take control of his situation.
By discarding the bottle, Burleson symbolically and literally took the first step toward prioritizing his mental health and well-being.
His acknowledgment of the strength of depression and its ability to consume a person is a powerful reminder of the importance of mental health awareness.
Burleson’s decision to “leave that alone until we have enough strength, and you have your mind right” illustrates his determination to regain control over his life and not let his struggles define him.
This moment of clarity helped him recognize the importance of seeking help and addressing the underlying issues, rather than allowing destructive habits to take over.
It’s a testament to his resilience and serves as an inspiring example of overcoming adversity.
Nate Burleson’s journey through his challenging period was deeply supported by the meaningful and thought-provoking conversations he had with his loved ones.
These discussions were more than just comforting words; they were instrumental in helping him confront his fears and uncertainties head-on.
Burleson appreciated that his family didn’t just offer surface-level reassurance but instead posed questions that forced him to reflect deeply on his situation.
His mother’s questions—about his worries, his love for the game, and his financial security—brought to light the root of his panic, anxiety, and depression.
By encouraging him to consider these fundamental aspects of his life, his family helped him realize that his distress was tied to unresolved questions about his identity, future, and sense of purpose.
This introspection was crucial for Burleson as it allowed him to start addressing these concerns and work through his fears, rather than letting them fester and grow.
These conversations were a key part of his healing process, helping him to face his challenges with greater clarity and resolve.
Nate Burleson’s reflection on his journey underscores the importance of addressing mental health early and proactively.
He wishes he had sought therapy sooner, recognizing now how crucial it is to talk to someone—whether a therapist or a trusted individual—about the emotional and psychological impact of trauma.
For Burleson, starting therapy in his 30s became a transformative experience, allowing him to see the value in mental training, much like the physical training he was accustomed to as an athlete.
Burleson compares therapy to “excavating the soul,” emphasizing that it’s not just about surface-level realizations but about digging deep to uncover and address the underlying issues.
This approach to therapy helped him navigate the stress and challenges he faced, especially during his transition from his NFL career to working in television in New York City.
The physical manifestation of his stress—losing all his facial hair—served as a wake-up call that his mental health needed attention.
The chronic stress he experienced was compounded by the fact that he hadn’t been in the habit of discussing mental health regularly with those around him.
This realization highlights the importance of consistent conversations about mental well-being, both in personal relationships and within broader society. Burleson’s story is a powerful reminder of the value of mental health care and the need for open dialogue and support.
“I realized that I was bottling up all of these things that I should allow people to see in me,” says Burleson. “And I was trying to be everything for everybody, but not paying attention to myself.”
Nate Burleson’s journey toward better mental health and self-awareness has taught him the importance of openness, honesty, and connection.
Once he understood the link between his stress, energy management, and the need to communicate his struggles, he became more capable of handling life’s challenges.
Burleson emphasizes that if you don’t share what you’re going through, others can’t support you, and it’s unfair to blame them for not understanding your situation.
Writing has been a significant outlet for Burleson, a practice he’s cherished since seventh grade. With a collection of about 40 poems, he writes primarily for therapeutic reasons, using poetry to process his emotions.
Sharing these deeply personal writings, as he did during Mental Health Awareness Month, is a vulnerable act for him—comparable to opening up his diary to the world.
Despite the risk involved, Burleson believes in the power of sharing because it helps foster connections with others.
Burleson’s willingness to be vulnerable and share his experiences reflects his desire to be seen as more than just an athlete or a media personality.
He wants to be recognized as a genuine person who goes through the same human experiences as everyone else. By being open about his struggles and emotions, Burleson hopes to connect with others on a deeper level, breaking down the barriers that often isolate people dealing with mental health issues.
His story is a powerful reminder of the strength that comes from vulnerability and the importance of genuine human connection.
