Luther Burden III is quickly becoming a household name after the Chicago Bears drafted him in the 2025 NFL Draft. As a dynamic wide receiver with explosive playmaking abilities, Burden brings excitement to the Windy City.
In this article, you’ll discover his net worth, career earnings, contract details, stats, personal life, and career journey. Get ready to learn everything about this rising NFL star.
Luther Burden III’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Luther Burden III |
| Date of Birth | December 12, 2003 |
| Age | 21 years old |
| Education | East St. Louis High School; University of Missouri (General Studies) |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) |
| Weight | 206 lb (93 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2025 (Drafted by Chicago Bears) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1–2 million |
| Salary | $840,000 |
| Career Earnings | Projected $10.95 million (2025–2028) |
| Girlfriend | N/A |
| @lutherburden3 | |
| N/A |
Early Career
Luther Burden III was born on December 12, 2003, in St. Louis, Missouri, where he attended East St. Louis High School. As a dual-sport standout in football and basketball, he dominated on the gridiron, earning ESPN’s ranking as the top offensive recruit in the 2022 class. His senior year showcased his explosiveness: 66 receptions for 1,085 yards and 18 touchdowns, leading East St. Louis to a 12-3 record and a state runner-up finish.
This performance secured him the 2021 MaxPreps Illinois High School Football Player of the Year award. With 41 college scholarship offers, Burden narrowed his choices to Alabama, Georgia, and Missouri, ultimately committing to Missouri in October 2021 to become the Tigers’ fourth five-star recruit in two decades.
Professional Career
Luther Burden III exploded onto the college football scene at the University of Missouri, where he played from 2022 to 2024. His freshman season (2022) featured 45 receptions for 375 yards and 8 touchdowns, plus 88 rushing yards and 2 scores. He solidified his stardom in 2023 with a breakout sophomore year: 86 catches for 1,212 yards and 9 touchdowns, earning First-Team All-SEC honors.
Though his 2024 junior season saw slightly reduced production (61 receptions, 676 yards, 6 TDs), his three-year totals—192 receptions, 2,263 yards, and 23 touchdowns—cemented his reputation as a dynamic playmaker.
After declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears selected him 39th overall in the second round. He now pairs with quarterback Caleb Williams as a key weapon in the Bears’ revamped offense under new head coach Ben Johnson.
Luther Burden III’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Luther Burden III’s net worth is estimated between $1–2 million.
Contract
Luther Burden III signed a four-year, $10.95 million rookie contract with the Chicago Bears after being drafted 39th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. The deal follows the NFL’s rookie wage scale for second-round picks and includes no fifth-year option, which is standard for non-first-round selections.
This contract locks Burden into Chicago through the 2028 season, with performance incentives and potential renegotiations possible as his career progresses.
Salary
Luther Burden III’s 2025 base salary is $840,000 under his rookie contract with the Chicago Bears. This figure represents the guaranteed cash payout for his first NFL season and accounts for 0.30% of the team’s salary cap.
His earnings stem from a four-year, $10.95 million deal signed after being drafted 39th overall, which includes a $4.6 million signing bonus paid upfront.
The contract follows the NFL’s standardized rookie wage scale for second-round picks, with future salaries increasing annually to reach an average of $2.74 million over the full term.
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Chicago Bears | $840,000 |
| 2026 | Chicago Bears | $2,741,008 (est.) |
| 2027 | Chicago Bears | $2,741,008 (est.) |
| 2028 | Chicago Bears | $2,741,008 (est.) |
| Total | $10,964,030 |
Career Statistics
| Season | Team | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Receiving TDs | Rushing Yards | Rushing TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Missouri | 45 | 375 | 8 | 88 | 2 |
| 2023 | Missouri | 86 | 1,212 | 9 | 31 | 0 |
| 2024 | Missouri | 61 | 676 | 6 | 115 | 2 |
| Career | 192 | 2,263 | 23 | 234 | 4 |
FAQs
1. What are Luther Burden III’s key physical attributes?
Luther Burden stands 6 feet tall and weighs 206 pounds, with elite speed demonstrated by his 4.42-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. His explosive agility, body control, and acceleration make him a dynamic run-after-catch threat who consistently breaks tackles.
2. How many siblings does Luther Burden have?
Burden has nine sisters and is the second youngest in his family. He shares a particularly close bond with his youngest sister Robin, and his parents (Luther Burden II and Gaye Union) raised all ten children in St. Louis.
3. Which endorsement deals has Burden secured?
During his college career, Burden signed a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) agreement with Commerce Bank. He hasn’t announced major NFL endorsements but is positioned for future partnerships.
4. What made Burden a top college recruit?
Burden received 41 scholarship offers after a dominant high school career at East St. Louis, where he recorded 1,174 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns as a senior. ESPN ranked him the top offensive recruit in the 2022 class.
5. What are analysts’ views on Burden’s NFL potential?
Scouts praise Burden’s playmaking versatility and YAC ability but note concerns about route-running consistency and performance against top competition. His NFL success hinges on creative usage, particularly in the slot role where he excels.
