Hawk Notes: Burleson's happy homecoming

KIRKLAND — Sure, Nate Burleson had to be serious. After all, people wanted to know what it's like for a local guy made good to be able to come back and play for his hometown team.

But there was no mistaking Burleson's excitement about being a Seahawk. From the moment he began his news conference at team headquarters Tuesday — posing in a blue suit holding his Seahawks blue No. 83 jersey with his name on the back — it was clear that Burleson is all about Seattle.

The 24-year-old wide receiver, formerly with the Minnesota Vikings and Seattle's O'Dea High School, was officially welcomed to the Seahawks. Coach Mike Holmgren and team president Tim Ruskell sat on each side of Burleson as he fielded questions.

For Burleson, coming home to live and play football again was only a matter of time. And he always rooted for his hometown teams from afar.

"I stayed focused on all the Seattle teams, from the Mariners to the Sonics," Burleson said. "I played Luke Ridnour on a high-school basketball team. When the Seahawks were in the Super Bowl, I was cheering. A lot of guys, when they are not playing, they don't really pay attention too much. But obviously representing the 206, I wanted the Hawks to win it. So there's always love deep in my heart for Seattle."

Burleson would appear to be the right fit for the Seahawks' offense. Seattle targeted him as a potential acquisition even during last season, Ruskell said, knowing he was going to be a restricted free agent.

"You knew that he was a fit because of what he brings in terms of after the catch," Ruskell said. "Nate always looks to make a short play long and always maximizes his game. It was worth what we had to go through; and yes, there were some periods of not knowing, but the goal was always to bring him into the fold."

Ruskell referred to the seven-day period which the Vikings were allowed to decide whether to match Seattle's offer sheet for Burleson.

Having Burleson allows the Seahawks to move Bobby Engram back into his role as a slot receiver, the role the coaches seem to like best for him. It makes for a potential combination of Burleson and Darrell Jackson on the outside; Burleson has been compared to Jackson.

Nate's father, Al, who stood proudly nearby as his son spoke, is thrilled to have Nate home. Nate has one son and another on the way.

"It's definitely a blessing for my family to have him home, to have my grandsons home," said Al, also a former college and pro football player (USFL and CFL). "He's a community-type guy. He's going to be a good fit in a lot of ways, and he'll represent the Seahawks well."

Being a starter is Nate's eventual goal, but first things first.

"I really just want to be productive, more than anything," he said. "I can come off the bench. As long as I catch the balls that are thrown to me and put a couple of DBs [defensive backs] or linebackers on their back, I'd know that I've played a good game."

Note

• Holmgren said 45 players were at headquarters for the first day of the team's offseason conditioning program Monday, and he called that a "good start." Attendance is not required, but it is encouraged.

José Miguel Romero: 206-464-2409 or jromero@seattletimes.com