The Chicago Bears have been aggressive when it comes to roster building since Ben Johnson took over as head coach. The Bears have a point to prove in the NFC North, having won the division just once in the past 14 years.
The team’s recent second-round draft pick, wide receiver Luther Burden III, is also looking to prove himself, and put the league on notice during a recent press appearance.
Luther Burden III Intends to Make Teams Pay for Passing On Him In the 2025 NFL Draft
Burden entered the 2024 season with high expectations after an impressive 2023 campaign. Unfortunately, his final year in college failed to live up to expectations, with quarterback issues and scheme limitations largely responsible.
While expected by most analysts to be taken early in the second round of April’s draft, it would seem as though Burden is unhappy with the outcome. During a press opportunity at the team’s rookie minicamp, the receiver revealed that he has a chip on his shoulder following the draft. In a statement that will no doubt have Bears fans excited, Burden stated his intention to make the rest of the league pay for passing on him in Round 1.
“No, that’s staying with me forever, so everybody who passed up on me has gotta pay.”
While Burden’s words alone were intentional enough, the cold demeanor with which he spoke them left no doubts as to his seriousness. The player looked genuinely unhappy about being passed on, with five receivers being taken ahead of him.
Powerful: Bears rookie WR Luther Burden III on dropping to the second round of the draft:
“That’s staying with me forever. Everybody who passed up on me gotta pay.”
Luther vows to make those NFL teams regret their decision.
😤😤😤 pic.twitter.com/BoSlczuSnQ
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) May 9, 2025
One of those receivers was Matthew Golden, who was taken by the Green Bay Packers, meaning Burden should get at least two chances each year to make his point. Making the Packers look silly would not only prove himself right, but it would make him an immediate fan favorite in Chicago.
Burden Excited to Play Under Ben Johnson
The most notable addition that Chicago has made, though, since the end of their 2024 campaign, is the aforementioned Johnson. Johnson was the hottest property on the head coaching carousel heading into the offseason, with the Bears beating out significant competition for his signature.
Burden expressed his excitement to play for Johnson, revealing that he’d heard good things about his new head coach from Detroit Lions receiver Jameson Williams. Johnson helped Williams become one of the most feared speed receivers in the NFC in 2024, something he’ll look to replicate with Burden.
“He told me I’m going to love it, so let’s go,” said Burden. Burden’s excitement matches the overall feeling surrounding the Bears and their fans in 2025. Having drafted “generational” quarterback prospect Caleb Williams in 2024, hopes are high that Johnson can turn his new team into Super Bowl contenders in the coming years.