Lunchbreak: Moss, Winfield, Culpepper Among Burleson's 'Top 5 Teammates'

[Viktor]

Before Nate Burleson ever became a co-host on Good Morning Football and CBS NFL Today, he put together an 11-season career as an NFL wide receiver.


The Vikings drafted Burleson 71st overall in 2003, and he spent three seasons in Minnesota. During that time, he started 33 of 44 games played and totaled 127 catches for 1,789 yards and 12 touchdowns.


Burleson went on to play four seasons apiece for Seattle and Detroit before hanging up his cleats.


Recently, Burleson reflected on his playing career and ranked his top five teammates for NFL.com.


Included in the group were three former Vikings, with Hall of Famer Randy Moss – who overlapped in Minnesota from 2003-04 – topping his list. Burleson wrote:


I don't think there will ever be another wide receiver who pumped fear in the hearts of defensive backs the way Moss did. Seriously, I would line up next to him, look at the DBs guarding him, and they were already on their heels. Moss [had] already won, and the play hadn't even started. Hands-down the most natural and physically gifted athlete I ever played with. He had Olympic speed with the softest hands. He could run 80 percent and still fly by the other team's fastest defender, and he tracked the ball so well that instead of running for several yards with his hands up (ultimately giving the corner a chance to break up the pass), he'd throw his hands up late and make the completed reception look effortless.


Coming in second and third on Burleson's list were former Seahawks tackle Walter Jones and former Lions receiver Calvin Johnson, respectively.


Two more Vikings rounded out the ranking: cornerback Antoine Winfield, who played with Burleson in 2004 and 2005, and quarterback Daunte Culpepper, who threw passes to Burleson in Minnesota from 2003-05.


Burleson called Winfield "one of the most underrated players of all time," pointing out his physical playing style despite being just 5-foot-9 and 180 pounds. According to Burleson, the corner "never retreated from a hit or tackle."


To this day, Winfield made one of the best plays I have ever seen. I can't remember the game exactly, but I know he fought through a wide receiver block, chopped down a pulling guard and tackled the running back for a loss. I just remember thinking, "How does this guy play so big?" He was a technician and trusted his preparation, which allowed him to have an impressive 14-year NFL career that included three Pro Bowl appearances.


Winfield signed a pretty big contract when he arrived in Minnesota in 2004, and I remember trying to [peek] at his check one day out of curiosity. He replied, "Fella, worry about your own money." Even after cashing in with a six-year deal, he was humble, always gave 100 percent and went about his business the right way.


Culpepper was quite the contrast to Winfield build-wise, standing at 6-foot-4 and 260 pounds, but Burleson said the quarterback "could run circles around defenders and heave the ball so far down the field."


One time at practice, Daunte threw the ball so hard that he broke my finger. He was fun to watch and play with, but the most important thing I learned from him was how to lead. He made me believe in myself more than any other coach or player. Culpepper had a way of complimenting you that elevated your confidence so much that you couldn't help but feel it. It's like when the Grinch's heart grew three sizes. I could literally feel my confidence inflate and that showed in my play on the field. He also was the center of every Halloween and Christmas party, making sure everyone was included. He [sowed] a seed in my spirit that was more than just football – it was how to be a teammate, friend and positively impact those around you.