Luther Burden III is a young and talented American football wide receiver making waves in the National Football League (NFL). Drafted by the Chicago Bears in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Burden is known for his explosive playmaking ability, strong athleticism, and a promising professional future. Below is a detailed profile that covers his personal life, early career, professional achievements, contract details, earnings, endorsements, and career records.
Luther Burden III’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Luther Burden III |
| Nickname | N/A |
| Born | December 12, 2003 |
| Age | 21 years |
| College | University of Missouri |
| Religion | N/A |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (180 cm) |
| Turned Pro | 2025 |
| Net Worth | Around $10.9 million |
| Salary | $10.96 million |
| Spouse | Not married |
| Relationship Status | Girlfriend named Kendall (since at least 2023) |
| Instagram Profile | @lutherburden3 |
Early Career
Luther Burden III’s football journey started early at East St. Louis Senior High School in Illinois, where he was a two-sport athlete playing both football and basketball. He gained national recognition as a five-star recruit ranked the top wide receiver in the 2022 class.
His senior season was exceptional, with 66 receptions, 1,085 yards, and 18 touchdowns, which attracted over 40 college scholarship offers. He committed to the Missouri Tigers in 2021, seeking to make an impact close to home. His high school days molded him into a dynamic player ready for bigger stages.
Professional Career
Burden was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft as the 39th overall pick. His reputation as a prolific scorer and reliable receiver earned him this spot after a standout college career at Missouri. Despite a minor soft tissue injury early in his rookie minicamp, Burden quickly showed flashes of his playmaking ability during team drills, cementing himself as a key offensive asset under Bears’ new coach Ben Johnson.
His route running, speed, and ability to make contested catches have made him promising in an evolving Bears offense. He recorded multiple 100-yard receiving games in his first NFL season, indicating a bright professional future.
Girlfriend
Luther Burden III is currently in a relationship with his girlfriend, Kendall. Their relationship dates back to at least 2023. There is no public record of marriage or children as of 2025, and Burden tends to keep his personal life relatively private, focusing on his rising football career.
Luther Burden III’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Luther Burden III’s net worth is estimated to be around $10.9 million. This figure primarily stems from his fully guaranteed rookie contract with the Chicago Bears as well as endorsement deals and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) agreements from his college days.
Contract Details
Luther Burden III signed a historic fully guaranteed four-year rookie contract with the Chicago Bears worth approximately $10.965 million. This contract is unprecedented as he became the first 39th overall pick in NFL history to secure a fully guaranteed deal. The contract guarantees his entire salary with the Bears from 2025 through 2028, reflecting strong confidence in his potential from the franchise.
Career Earnings
| Year | Earnings (Approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $5,453,844 | Rookie year full guaranteed |
| 2026 | $1,338,365 | Base salary plus guarantees |
| 2027 | $1,836,730 | Base salary plus guarantees |
| 2028 | $2,335,095 | Base salary plus guarantees |
| Total | $10,964,034 | Total contract value |
Endorsements
- Commerce Bank (regional banking sponsor)
- Old Vienna (Red Hot Riplets chips)
- Imo’s Pizza (St. Louis-based pizza brand)
- Nautica (apparel, part of “New Legends” campaign)
- Kane Footwear (specializes in recovery shoes)
- NXTRND (sports gear and equipment)
Career Records
| Career Record / Achievement | Description |
| College Career Receptions | Recorded over 200 receptions at the University of Missouri |
| College Receiving Yards | Amassed over 3,000 receiving yards during college career |
| College Touchdowns | Scored 22 receiving touchdowns at Missouri |
| All-SEC Team Honors | Named to All-SEC teams multiple seasons |
| NFL Rookie Milestone | First 39th overall NFL draft pick to sign a fully guaranteed contract |
| NFL Rookie 100-Yard Receiving Game | Recorded multiple 100-yard receiving games during initial NFL season |
| High School Competition | Competed against elite high school players such as Jameson Williams and other future NFL talents |
FAQS
1. Who is Luther Burden III?
Luther Burden III is an American professional football wide receiver and kickoff returner currently playing for the Chicago Bears in the NFL. He played college football at Missouri and was a second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
2. What is Luther Burden III’s college football background?
Burden played three seasons at the University of Missouri, where he was a standout wide receiver and punt returner. He earned two First Team All-SEC selections and was a semifinalist for the Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s top receiver.
3. How did Luther Burden perform in college?
Over 38 games, Burden recorded 192 receptions for 2,263 yards and 21 receiving touchdowns. He also contributed rushing yards and punt return yards, totaling 2,749 all-purpose yards in his collegiate career.
4. What are Luther Burden III’s physical attributes?
Burden is approximately 6 feet tall and weighs around 206 to 208 pounds. He is known for his agility, body control, acceleration, and strength after the catch.
5. What skills and playing style does Luther Burden III have?
He is a versatile slot receiver with strong route-running, explosive burst, and the ability to break tackles. He excels at making contested catches and is also effective in punt returning and gadget plays.
6. What accolades did Luther Burden III receive in college?
Burden was a two-time First Team All-SEC selection (2023, 2024), a Biletnikoff Award semifinalist, and a Maxwell Award semifinalist. He also earned Second Team All-America honors from multiple outlets.
7. What was Luther Burden III’s recruiting ranking before college?
He was a consensus five-star recruit, ranked as the No. 1 wide receiver and No. 3 overall player nationally in the 2022 recruiting class.
8. How has Luther Burden III performed in the NFL so far?
Burden was drafted by the Chicago Bears in 2025. His rookie season saw some injury setbacks, including a hamstring injury and a concussion, but he is praised for his work ethic and potential within the Bears’ offense.
9. What is Luther Burden III’s high school background?
He attended East St. Louis Senior High School in Illinois and was rated as the top offensive recruit nationally by ESPN in his class. He was also a notable basketball player in high school.
10. What challenges has Luther Burden III faced in his professional career?
In the 2025 NFL season, Burden faced injuries including a hamstring issue and a concussion, which limited his playing time and affected his progress in fully learning the Bears’ offensive system.