KIRKLAND – Nate Burleson’s change in job status hasn’t only had a positive effect on his team, it’s also added an impressive line to his resume.
On Thursday, Burleson learned that he had been named the NFC’s special teams player of the month for November.
The receiver-turned-return-man averaged a conference-best 13.8 yards per punt return in November, including a 90-yard touchdown. He also averaged 25.8 yards on five kickoff returns during the month.
“It’s rewarding, in more than one sense of the word,” Burleson said. “It really kind of validates me being a contributor and me being a playmaker. … To get this kind of award means a lot.”
Burleson is the second Seahawks player to earn a monthly award. Safety Ken Hamlin was the NFC’s defensive player of the year for September.
Also honored by the NFC Thursday were Dallas quarterback Tony Romo (offensive player of the month) and San Francisco cornerback Walt Harris (defensive player of the month). Harris had two interceptions in the 49ers’ 20-14 win over Seattle on Nov. 19.
Revenge attained: In nine career games against Arizona, Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander has rushed for 886 yards and nine touchdowns. He said Thursday that his big numbers are no coincidence.
“When my career first started off, I was just really mad because they didn’t pick me (in the draft). They picked (Virginia running back) Thomas Jones instead,” said Alexander, who was taken with the 19th overall pick in the 2000 NFL draft, 12 selections after the Cardinals selected Jones. “I had this anger against them my whole career.
“I kind of let it go last year, and then I had probably the best game against them that I’ve ever had (140 rushing yards and four touchdowns). I haven’t decided which one I want to go with (Sunday): Angry Shaun or Let It Go Shaun.”
Quick slants: Linebacker Julian Peterson returned to practice Thursday after being excused from the previous day’s workout. … Fullback Mack Strong (ankle) attended practice while wearing his practice jersey, but he did not participate. David Kirtman and tight end Will Heller have split practice time getting his repetitions at fullback.
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