After signing a one-year deal with the Cleveland Browns in April, Nate Burleson is ready for a new start following four years with the Detroit Lions. Burleson though can't stay away from the Detroit area, as he was in Dearborn, Michigan Saturday for a charity softball game.
While plenty of former Lions teammates were in attendance, Burleson showed where his allegiance now lies by arriving decked out in orange from head to toe, looking very much like a Cleveland Brown.
Burleson wasn't just looking like a Brown however, he also made it very clear that Aug. 9 will be a huge day for him. That's when Cleveland opens up the preseason with a date in Detroit.
"Man, I'm wracking my brain figuring out what celebration I'm going to do - because I'm going to get a fine," a laughing Burleson told MLive.com. "I'm going to get a fine, period. I'm going to go to my coach and say, 'Hey, I'm going to get a fine. I'm going to do something crazy.'
"It's going to be a little bit of an appreciation celebration to the fans and the city of Detroit. But it's also going to be a poke in the back, saying, 'You should have kept me because I'm still balling."
It may only be a preseason game, but Burleson is obviously bringing a personal touch, preparing for it as if it were the Super Bowl.
"I plan to get off that game," Burleson said. "It might be the best game of the year for me. Guarantee it. I'm going crazy that game. Probably like 200 yards. Fantasy points through the roof, man."
Burleson's four seasons in Detroit were marred by injury; he appeared in just 15 games total over the past two seasons due to a broken arm and a broken leg. Burleson understands that was a big part of why the Lions released him, but he holds no ill-will against the team.
"The organization was great about it. We talked on the phone - [general manager Martin] Mayhew gave me a call - and there's no hard feelings," Burleson said. "I think [they released me] mostly because of the injuries. When I was on the field, I was productive. I felt like I was a great complement to Calvin [Johnson]. But just too many injuries, and as an organization I understand it."
Burleson will turn 33 before the season begins, and for a while after his release by the Lions, he thought his career may be over. Instead, the Browns came calling and Burleson is ready to make his presence felt in Cleveland, despite his age.
"I was old when I was here, but I'm really old in Cleveland," Burleson said. "I'm going to keep my old-ass out the news and just make some plays."
