Former Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III is one of the more intriguing pass-catching prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. Known for his big-play ability and above-average speed, Burden was a standout athlete at East St. Louis Senior High School, where he played both football and basketball.
When he decided to pursue football full-time, his parents had his back — supporting him every step of the way. Here’s a closer look at how Burden III’s upbringing shaped his path to the pros.
Who Are Luther Burden III’s Parents?
Burden III’s father, Luther Burden II, played college basketball at Saint Louis University. His mother is Gaye Union. Together, they raised 10 kids — nine daughters and Luther III.
Burden III is the second youngest in the family and shares a close bond with his youngest sister, Robin.
His dad was once considered a promising basketball prospect, even drawing interest from the Indiana Pacers, who reportedly encouraged him to join the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) to refine his game. But things took a turn when Burden II was sentenced to four years in prison.
After serving 12 months, he returned home and took on jobs at Walmart and as a caregiver at a local hospital. As of 2022, he was working at a supermarket distribution center.
Luther Burden III’s College Career
Burden III began his football journey at East St. Louis Senior High, where he stood out in both football and basketball.
A five-star recruit and one of the top-10 prospects in the country, Burden committed to Missouri in 2022. He started 10 of the 13 games he played as a freshman.
In his sophomore season, Burden broke out as a starter. He racked up 1,212 receiving yards — second in the SEC and ninth nationally — and earned First-Team All-SEC and Second-Team All-America honors. He followed that up with another First-Team All-SEC nod during his final season with the Tigers.
NFL Outlook
According to Pro Football Network’s latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft, Burden is projected as an early second-round pick, landing at No. 35 overall to the Tennessee Titans.
Tennessee is also heavily linked to quarterback Cam Ward with the No. 1 overall pick, setting the stage for a potential QB-WR duo of the future. If the Titans do pair Ward with Burden, it’ll be interesting to see how that chemistry develops.
