Nate Burleson to Share Insights on Media, Sports and Culture During President’s Distinguished Lecture Series at Kean University

Jan 13, 2026

Nate Burleson smiling in a purple suit and tie with glasses, posing against a peach color background. — *Nate Burleson will share his perspective on the media industry and sports entertainment in the President's Distinguished Lecture Series.*

Emmy Award-winning studio analyst, media personality and retired NFL player Nate Burleson will share his perspective on the media industry, sports culture and his own career journey when Kean’s President’s Distinguished Lecture Series returns on Thursday, February 12, 2026.

A dynamic presence in sports broadcasting, news and entertainment who appears daily on CBS Mornings, Burleson will reflect on his path from the NFL to national television host.

“Nate Burleson has navigated multiple careers with remarkable adaptability and drive,” said Kean President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D. “His versatility and creativity will resonate deeply with our students and community as they explore and shape their own future paths.”

Kean’s First Lady Darlene Repollet, a former corporate human resources executive who helps advance the University’s mission of equity and excellence, will moderate a question-and-answer session with Burleson.

A two-time Sports Emmy Award winner for Outstanding Sports Personality/Studio Analyst, Burleson currently co-hosts CBS Mornings, hosts Hollywood Squares and serves as an analyst on The NFL Today. He has been a part of Netflix’s live NFL Christmas Day broadcasts in 2024 and 2025 and has hosted the annual primetime special Super Bowl’s Greatest Commercials. Burleson also helps the NFL reach younger audiences by co-hosting NFL Slimetime on Nickelodeon, an innovative alternative broadcast designed for children.

Before entering broadcasting, Burleson completed an 11-year NFL career, playing for the Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks and Detroit Lions.

Tickets for the 4:30 p.m. Distinguished Lecture, which will take place in Enlow Recital Hall on Kean's Union campus, are available at www.kean.edu/lectureseries.

The President’s Distinguished Lecture Series brings a range of prestigious speakers to Kean. Speakers have included former U.S. Senator Al Franken; human rights leader Ndaba Mandela, the grandson of the late Nelson Mandela; autism advocate and animal scientist Temple Grandin, Ph.D.

Burleson is the final speaker of the 2025-26 season, which included tech journalist Kara Swisher and NBA Deputy Commissioner and COO Mark A. Tatum.