Basic Information
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | Nehemiah Burleson |
| Birth Year | Circa 2006 (exact date private) |
| Age (2025) | Approximately 19 |
| Height | 6 ft 4 in |
| Weight | 220 lbs |
| Hometown | Franklin Lakes, New Jersey |
| High School | Ramapo High School |
| College | University of Nevada |
| Class (2025) | Redshirt Freshman |
| Position | EDGE / Defensive End |
| Notable Family | Father: Nate Burleson; Mother: Atoya Burleson; Brother: Nathaniel “Nate II” Burleson; Sister: Mia Burleson; Grandfather: Alvin Burleson |
Roots and Legacy
Some families hand down heirlooms; the Burlesons pass along a shared language of sports. Nehemiah Burleson grew up at the crossroads of athletics and media, the son of former NFL wide receiver and current morning show co-host Nate Burleson and track standout Atoya Burleson. The University of Nevada isn’t just a school to them—it’s a family tradition, a place where his parents found their footing and set a course that now guides their children.
Nehemiah’s path follows that well-lit trail to Reno, yet bears his own fingerprints. He chose Nevada not only for the legacy but for the opportunity to grow as an EDGE defender—a position that demands quick bursts, heavy hands, and relentless motor. In a program where work ethic is currency, he’s building his balance sheet one rep at a time.
From Ramapo to Reno: The Early Chapters
At Ramapo High School in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, Nehemiah carved a niche as a versatile two-way player, lining up at defensive end and tight end. His senior year production reflected both discipline and disruption: 36 total tackles, 5.0 tackles-for-loss, an interception, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. He also tested himself beyond familiar borders with international competition, registering multiple quarterback pressures, a pass deflection, and tackles-for-loss in a showcase game, sharpening the tools he’d carry to college.
January 2024 marked a turning point, as he committed to the University of Nevada. Graduating that June, he stepped into fall camp ready to learn and contribute. The decision aligned him with the Wolf Pack’s defensive identity—and with his older brother, Nate II, already in the wide receiver room, the family huddle grew tighter under the Nevada sky.
Physical Profile and Playing Style
Nehemiah’s 6-foot-4, 220-pound frame offers both reach and leverage at the edge. He flashes a first step that can pry open a tackle’s set and length that helps keep blockers at bay. As a freshman, he’s in the seasoning phase: adding functional strength, refining hand usage, and mastering the scheme so that instinct and assignment move in tandem.
EDGE play is a chess match at high speed—angles, pad level, and pursuit combine with burst and bend. Nehemiah’s early tape suggests a defender who reads the backfield with patience, then accelerates with intent. The Wolf Pack’s coaching staff has emphasized development over fireworks, and his foundation looks solid enough to support bigger production in seasons to come.
2025 Debut and Early College Moments
In late August 2025, Nevada opened its season in a daunting environment, visiting a top-three Penn State team. Nehemiah made his collegiate debut and chipped in an assisted tackle—modest in the box score, meaningful in context. First snaps in hostile territory are tests of composure; the real measurement is how a player folds those moments into his routine, week after week.
Traveling with the team during the early stretch of the season, he’s earning experience and forging chemistry. For a redshirt freshman, these reps are the scaffolding around which a career is built. In a sport that often rewards patience as much as flash, Nehemiah appears content to stack days, trusting that the scoreboard will eventually reflect the work.
Family Members: Strength Through Support
The Burleson family is both backdrop and battery for Nehemiah’s journey. Their influence brings perspective, mentorship, and resilience.
- Nate Burleson, Father: Former NFL wide receiver (2003–2013) who transitioned smoothly into broadcasting, now a national morning show co-host and football analyst. His guidance blends pro-level detail with fatherly steadiness.
- Atoya Burleson, Mother: Former Nevada track-and-field athlete and media entrepreneur. She champions education, balance, and the unseen work that supports game-day performances.
- Nathaniel “Nate II” Burleson, Older Brother: Nevada wide receiver who stepped into a larger role in 2025. The brotherly bond—iron sharpening iron—echoes through their shared practices and game weeks.
- Mia Burleson, Younger Sister: Comfortable on camera and spirited in personality, she brings the family’s media sensibility into youth spaces.
- Alvin Burleson, Paternal Grandfather: A former professional football player whose legacy laid one of the earliest stones in the family’s athletic pathway.
Family Snapshot
| Family Member | Role | Notable Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nate Burleson | Father | Ex-NFL WR; national broadcaster; Nevada alumnus |
| Atoya Burleson | Mother | Former Nevada track athlete; media and lifestyle creator |
| Nathaniel “Nate II” Burleson | Brother | Nevada WR; took on starting responsibilities in 2025 |
| Mia Burleson | Sister | Youth media contributor; energetic presence |
| Alvin Burleson | Grandfather | Former pro football player; multigenerational influence |
Timeline: Milestones and Momentum
| Year/Date | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Circa 2006 | Birth | Second of three children in the Burleson family |
| 2020–2023 | High School Development | Ramapo HS; two-way play at DE/TE |
| 2023 | Senior Season | 36 tackles, 5.0 TFL, 1 INT, 1 FF, 1 FR |
| 2023–2024 | International Showcase | Multiple QB pressures, pass deflection, and TFL in elite competition |
| January 2024 | College Commitment | Chooses University of Nevada |
| June 2024 | Graduation | Completes Ramapo HS; prepares for college transition |
| August 2025 | College Debut | Assisted tackle vs. top-ranked Penn State |
| September 2025 | Early Season Travel | Gains experience on the road with the Wolf Pack |
Development and Outlook
College football is a long runway. For an EDGE defender, the next steps often involve building a stronger base, honing pass-rush counters, and learning to diagnose protections in real time. Nehemiah’s trajectory points toward incremental gains—an approach aligned with Nevada’s emphasis on player development. His family’s experience provides a north star, but the craft must be his alone: film study, technique reps, and quiet confidence stitched together over semesters.
In the NIL era, opportunities exist for visibility and partnerships, yet Nehemiah’s public profile remains measured. The focus appears squarely on football and academics. That restraint may serve him well; in a world of noise, his task is to keep the signal strong—play fast, learn faster, and let production be the headline.
FAQ
How old is Nehemiah Burleson?
He was born around 2006 and is approximately 19 years old in 2025.
Where did he go to high school?
He attended Ramapo High School in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey.
Which position does he play?
He plays EDGE/defensive end.
What is his height and weight?
He stands 6-foot-4 and weighs about 220 pounds.
Which college does he attend?
He attends the University of Nevada and plays for the Wolf Pack.
What is his class standing in 2025?
He is a redshirt freshman.
Did he make his college debut?
Yes, he debuted in August 2025 and recorded an assisted tackle.
Is he related to Nate Burleson?
Yes, he is the son of former NFL wide receiver and broadcaster Nate Burleson.
Does he have notable high school stats?
As a senior, he tallied 36 tackles, 5.0 tackles-for-loss, plus an interception and forced fumble.
Are there any major controversies?
No, his public mentions are positive and largely tied to family and early career milestones.
