Luther Burden III has quickly become one of the most discussed names in football — from his standout college career at Missouri to his early struggles and successes with the Chicago Bears in the NFL. This article provides an up-to-date look at his injury history, college achievements, draft experience, and jersey number journey.
Who Is Luther Burden? (Quick Bio)
Luther Burden III is an American football wide receiver and kickoff returner for the Chicago Bears in the NFL. Born on December 12, 2003, in St. Louis, Missouri, Burden developed into one of college football’s top pass-catching threats before entering the professional ranks. He played at Missouri from 2022 to 2024, earning accolades as a two-time First-Team All-SEC selection.
College Career: Rise to Prominence
At the University of Missouri, Burden became a household name in college football:
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As a sophomore in 2023, he recorded 86 receptions for 1,212 yards and nine touchdowns, one of the most prolific seasons in Mizzou history.
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Despite a drop in statistical production in 2024 to 61 catches for 676 yards, he remained a focal point of the Tigers’ passing attack.
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His career totals at Missouri included 192 receptions, 2,263 yards, and 21 touchdowns, showcasing his consistent playmaking ability over three seasons.
Burden’s college career earned him national attention and made him one of the most intriguing wide receiver prospects ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft.
NFL Draft: From Prospect to Bear
Despite early projections as a potential first-round pick, Burden saw his stock fall in the 2025 NFL Draft. Ultimately, the Chicago Bears selected him with the No. 39 overall pick in the second round.
Draft analysts attributed his slide to a combination of statistical regression in 2024 and concerns about consistency, but Chicago saw value in his talent and potential. Burden’s draft position quickly made headlines and set high expectations for his pro career.
Injury History & Updates
College Injury Background
While at Missouri, Burden dealt with shoulder and arm injuries and an undisclosed illness, which limited his playing time and may have influenced draft evaluations.
NFL Injury Updates
Burden’s transition to the NFL has included early injury challenges:
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During the 2025 offseason, he missed most offseason workouts due to a soft-tissue injury, causing him to fall behind in preparation.
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Early reports from Chicago Bears training camp confirmed that both Burden and other rookies were held out with injuries as camp began.
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Despite these setbacks, team updates indicated that his injury was not long-term and that he was expected to return to full participation.
More recently, Burden missed a game with a concussion but returned to action, showcasing his resilience and ability to bounce back.
Jersey Number Journey
One of the more unusual subplots of Burden’s early NFL tenure has been his frequent jersey number changes:
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He originally wore No. 87 during Bears rookie minicamp.
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He then switched to No. 13 following roster cuts.
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Most recently, he’s been listed as No. 10 with the Chicago Bears for the 2025 season, choosing a number that holds new personal significance at the pro level.
This multiple number shuffle has grabbed fan and media attention — part preference, part availability issues with his preferred numbers.
Looking Ahead: Future and Potential
Despite facing early injury and adjustment hurdles, Burden continues to show growth as he develops in the Bears’ offense. Recent performance highlights include pivotal receptions and expanded playing time, signaling a promising future.
As his rookie season progresses, Burden aims to establish himself as a reliable target and a key playmaker in Chicago’s wide receiver corps.
Conclusion
Luther Burden’s journey from college star to NFL rookie has been full of ups and downs. From injury concerns and draft slide to jersey number intrigue and early professional production, his story remains one of talent, resilience, and potential. With continued health and opportunity, Burden could emerge as one of the most exciting young wide receivers in the league.
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