CBSNFLBy Ian Casselberry on

CBS is continuing to shake up its NFL Sunday crew to give viewers a new mix this upcoming season. Nate Burleson will be joining the studio team for The NFL Today, the network announced on Monday. In addition, the former NFL wide receiver will also contribute to CBS Sports Network’s NFL Sunday show, That Other Pregame Show.

On The NFL Today, Burleson joins new analyst Phil Simms alongside host James Brown, Bill Cowher and Boomer Esiason. He replaces Bart Scott, who had been part of the CBS NFL studio crew for the past three seasons. (Simms fills the spot previously occupied by Tony Gonzalez.)

“Bart was a great teammate on The NFL Today and we are discussing other possible opportunities for him within CBS,” a CBS spokesperson told Awful Announcing.

“I think you’re familiar with the platform, it’s the 50th year, and this is a show with a great tradition in the NFL,” Burleson said on NFL Network’s morning show, Good Morning Football, after the announcement was made. He’ll remain an analyst on that program. “There’s only a few trademark shows in all of sports, and this is one of them. So I’m honored.”

Burleson, 35, played 11 seasons in the NFL with the Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks and Detroit Lions, compiling 457 catches for 5,630 yards and 39 touchdowns in 135 games. During his NFL career, Burleson notched one 1,000-yard season and is the only player in league history with three punt returns of 90 or more yards. In 2012, he was honored with the “Good Guy Award” by the Detroit Sports Broadcasters Association and the Detroit chapter of the Pro Football Writers Association for his interactions with the Detroit media during the 2011 season.

The former NFL wideout has made a smooth transition to broadcasting since his playing days. Burleson is affable and knowledgable, and doesn’t feel the need to thump his chest and talk over his colleagues to provide insight, letting his analysis speak for itself. He also has a good sense of fun without the need to be over-the-top or goofy, or creating a locker room atmosphere on set. Burleson should be a good fit with the other personalities on The NFL Today studio team.

About Ian Casselberry

Ian is a writer, editor, and podcaster. You can find his work at Awful Announcing and The Comeback. He's written for Sports Illustrated, Yahoo Sports, MLive, Bleacher Report, and SB Nation.

View all posts by Ian Casselberry