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Updated March 20, 2026, 11:21 a.m. ET
March Madness officially kicked off on Thursday, March 19.
When the cameras went to the studio analysts for CBS and TNT Sports, some fans were shocked to see Ernie Johnson not present along with Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith, the longtime loved trio of “Inside the NBA,” but also regulars hosting the NCAA Tournament.
Instead of Johnson, former NFL player turned “CBS Mornings” host, Nate Burleson, replaced Johnson with his hosting responsibilities. The former wide receiver also does football analysis in the studio with CBS and has been one of the commentators for Nickelodeon’s Super Bowl broadcast for kids.
But why was Johnson not present for the opening of the NCAA Tournament and who is Burleson? Here’s what you need to know:
Where is Ernie Johnson?
Johnson took on the lead role as the host last year, following the death of the legendary Greg Gumbel in December 2024.
However, this year, Johnson requested additional time off, necessitating the need for CBS to bring in a brand new host.
“At my request, I will take a step back from working the first two weeks of March Madness,” Johnson said to NJ.com in a statement. “I appreciate the support from TNT Sports, along with my CBS Sports colleagues. We have a tremendously talented broadcast team, and I look forward to hosting our studio coverage from the Final Four in Indianapolis.”
Johnson is set to return for the Final Four and championship game in Indianapolis on April 4 and 6.
Who is Nate Burleson?
Burleson, 44, was born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, on Aug. 19, 1981. His father, Al, was a defensive back in the CFL. His brother, Kevin, played in the NBA.
After attending Nevada for college, Burleson was a third-round pick in the 2003 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings. He enjoyed an 11-year NFL career with the Vikings, Seahawks and Lions, finishing his career with 457 receptions for 5,360 yards and 39 touchdowns.
Burleson began his broadcasting career soon after his playing career ended in 2014, as an analyst for NFL Network. In 2021, the responsibilities for the two-time Sports Emmy Award winner grew as he expanded his work with CBS. He served as the first color commentator for Nickelodeon’s NFL Wild Card game and as a host of CBS’ reality show “The Challenge: All Stars.”
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