Atoya Burleson: 7 Surprising Facts About Nate Burleson's Wife, From NFL Spouse To Media Mogul
In the world of sports and morning television, Nate Burleson has become a household name, transitioning seamlessly from a successful 11-year NFL career to co-hosting *CBS Mornings* and *Good Morning Football*. But behind the media mogul is a powerful, long-standing partnership with his wife, Atoya Burleson, a woman who has carved out her own impressive career as an entrepreneur and media personality. As of late 2025, the couple continues to be a pillar of stability and success, celebrating over two decades of marriage and raising three children while pursuing individual and joint ventures.
Their relationship, which began in college, is a testament to perseverance, navigating the high-pressure world of professional football and the demanding schedule of national television. From their recent, deeply personal journey exploring Atoya's family history to her thriving podcast, Atoya Burleson is far more than just an NFL spouse; she is a force in her own right, building a platform that empowers other women.
Nate Burleson: Biography and Career Profile
Nathaniel Eugene Burleson, born on August 19, 1981, is a Canadian-American former professional football player who has successfully transitioned into a prominent television host and commentator. His career trajectory is marked by a unique blend of athleticism and media savvy.
- Full Name: Nathaniel Eugene Burleson
- Date of Birth: August 19, 1981
- Place of Birth: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Nationality: Canadian-American
- Wife: Atoya Burleson (m. 2003)
- Children: Nathaniel II, Nehemiah, and Mia
- College: University of Nevada, Reno (Nevada Wolf Pack)
- NFL Career: Wide Receiver (2003–2013)
- NFL Teams: Minnesota Vikings (2003–2005), Seattle Seahawks (2006–2009), Detroit Lions (2010–2013)
- Current Career: Television Host and Commentator
- Notable Media Roles: Co-host of *CBS Mornings* and Analyst on NFL Network's *Good Morning Football* (GMFB)
- Accolades: Super Bowl Champion (as a commentator), Sports Emmy Award winner.
Burleson was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the third round of the 2003 NFL Draft. He played 11 seasons as a wide receiver and punt returner, showcasing his speed and agility with the Vikings, Seattle Seahawks, and Detroit Lions.
Following his retirement from the NFL, Burleson quickly became one of the most recognizable faces in sports media. His insightful commentary and charismatic presence led to his role on *Good Morning Football* and, eventually, his high-profile move to *CBS Mornings*, where he is a co-anchor alongside Tony Dokoupil and Gayle King.
7 Surprising Facts About Atoya Burleson
Atoya Burleson is a successful entrepreneur, podcast host, and former track athlete who met Nate Burleson while they were both attending the University of Nevada, Reno. She has built a career focused on empowering women and providing an authentic look at life within the professional sports world.
1. She is the Co-Host of a Highly Popular Podcast
Atoya is the co-host of the *insideLINES* podcast, which she launched in 2019. The show is co-hosted with Tia Avril, another NFL wife, and is dedicated to celebrating women through honest, transparent, and vulnerable conversations. The podcast provides a unique and unfiltered perspective on topics ranging from marriage and parenting to entrepreneurship and self-care, often through the lens of being connected to the demanding NFL lifestyle.
2. The Burlesons Are College Sweethearts
Nate and Atoya’s relationship is a true college romance. They met and began dating while they were both student-athletes at the University of Nevada, Reno. They tied the knot in 2003, the same year Nate was drafted into the NFL by the Minnesota Vikings, marking the beginning of their life journey together.
3. Atoya Was a Star Track Athlete
Like her husband, Atoya was a high-level athlete. During her time at the University of Nevada, she excelled as a track and field star. This shared background in competitive sports is a foundational element of their relationship, providing mutual understanding of dedication, sacrifice, and the high-pressure environment of professional athletics.
4. She is a Dedicated Entrepreneur and Businesswoman
Beyond her media work, Atoya is an active entrepreneur. She has leveraged her experience and platform to build a brand focused on business and empowerment. Her work is often centered around supporting other women in their professional and personal lives, showcasing her commitment to giving back and utilizing her education.
5. The Couple Recently Explored Her Family’s Connection to the Tulsa Race Massacre
In a deeply personal and newsworthy event, Nate and Atoya embarked on a joint journey to explore her ancestral ties to the tragic Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921. This quest for historical connection and family roots was featured on *CBS Mornings*, highlighting the couple's commitment to understanding and sharing important American history, and demonstrating their transparency with their audience.
6. They Have Three Children Who Are Also Athletes
Nate and Atoya are proud parents to three children: two sons, Nathaniel II (Nate Jr.) and Nehemiah, and a daughter, Mia. Their children are following in their athletic footsteps. Sons Nathaniel II and Nehemiah are active in football, basketball, and track, while their daughter Mia is a talented tennis player who also loves art. The family often shares glimpses of their supportive and active family life.
7. Her Birthday is in May
Atoya Burleson was born on May 31, 1978. This makes her a Gemini, a sign often associated with being expressive, communicative, and entrepreneurial—traits that clearly manifest in her successful career as a podcast host and media personality. She is a few years older than her husband, Nate, who was born in August 1981, further highlighting the maturity and balance in their long-term relationship.
The Burleson Family Legacy: More Than Just Football
The Burleson family unit, often discussed in relation to Nate’s career on the NFL Network and CBS, is a powerful example of a modern, multi-talented family. The topical authority surrounding the Burlesons extends far beyond Nate's playing days with the Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks, and Detroit Lions, or his current role on *CBS Mornings* and *Good Morning Football*.
The family's legacy is being actively shaped by the next generation, Nathaniel II and Nehemiah, who are already making their mark in youth sports, continuing the family's tradition of athleticism. Their daughter, Mia, brings a fresh perspective with her love for tennis and art, ensuring the family's interests are broad and diverse. The parents, Nate and Atoya, are intentional about supporting their children's individual passions, whether it’s on the football field or the tennis court.
Atoya's *insideLINES* podcast serves as a crucial entity in their public life, providing a platform for her voice and business acumen, independent of Nate's fame. Her entrepreneurial endeavors and commitment to real, vulnerable conversations give the Burleson family a strong, relatable anchor in the media landscape. Their recent exploration of the Tulsa Race Massacre, a significant piece of American history, adds a layer of depth and social consciousness to their public persona, showcasing them as a couple dedicated to more than just entertainment.
The Burlesons’ 20+ year marriage, which has spanned the entire length of Nate’s NFL career and his subsequent pivot to media, is a remarkable feat in the often-turbulent world of professional sports. Their story is frequently cited as an example of successful partnership, mutual respect, and shared ambition, making them a powerful entity in both the sports and media worlds. They continue to represent a compelling narrative of family, career, and enduring love.
Detail Author:
- Name : Dr. Junius Conroy
- Username : terry.terrill
- Email : bryce76@kuphal.com
- Birthdate : 1973-06-28
- Address : 732 Douglas Manors East Dolores, NM 17121-0994
- Phone : (469) 490-4933
- Company : Miller-Lebsack
- Job : Retail Sales person
- Bio : Rerum qui enim aliquam ut error eum explicabo. Esse voluptas est maiores aspernatur.
Socials
tiktok:
- url : https://tiktok.com/@cristopher.kuhn
- username : cristopher.kuhn
- bio : Totam ut optio ea dicta. Sint consequatur officia quibusdam a rerum.
- followers : 5315
- following : 420
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/ckuhn
- username : ckuhn
- bio : Enim odit cum vitae officiis voluptas. Autem magnam quo veritatis tenetur doloremque nulla delectus. Et quae temporibus corrupti expedita.
- followers : 6926
- following : 358
facebook:
- url : https://facebook.com/cristopher5945
- username : cristopher5945
- bio : Sed quibusdam corrupti harum sequi est ut eius. Autem suscipit magni non.
- followers : 1807
- following : 903
instagram:
- url : https://instagram.com/cristopher_dev
- username : cristopher_dev
- bio : Et repellat pariatur aut est nostrum. Rem est ut voluptatum soluta libero voluptatem odio.
- followers : 2010
- following : 455
