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 is Luther Burden III’s nationality and primary position on the field?
Burden is an American football player, best known for playing wide receiver, showcasing exceptional route running and explosive playmaking for the Missouri Tigers in college football.
2. What achievements has Burden earned during her high school and college careers?
She was a five-star recruit out of East St. Louis High School, earned All-American honors, and continued her impact at Missouri with standout performances and numerous SEC Freshman of the Week awards.
3. Which college did Burden choose and why was her commitment significant?
Burden committed to the University of Missouri, generating national attention due to her five-star status and the program’s ability to keep top in-state talent at home despite competition from powerhouse schools.
4. What are Burden’s main strengths and contributions as a receiver?
She is known for quick acceleration, sharp route running, strong hands, and the ability to create yards after the catch, consistently providing a reliable target in crucial moments.
5. How has Burden performed statistically for Missouri so far?
Burden has quickly become the team’s leading receiver, recording multiple games with 100+ receiving yards, regularly finding the end zone, and ranking among the best in the SEC.
6. Has Burden contributed on special teams or in other facets of the game?
She has also made an impact as a return specialist, using her vision and speed to flip field position and add versatility to her overall game.
7. What challenges has Burden faced in her football journey?
She has managed the pressure and expectations of being a five-star recruit, adapted to the increased competition in college, and worked through physical bumps and learning curves on the field.
8. How do coaches and analysts describe Burden’s attitude and work ethic?
Coaches praise her competitive edge, professionalism in preparation, and leadership qualities despite her young age, while analysts highlight her maturity and focus under media attention.
9. Is Burden considered a future NFL prospect, and what is her draft outlook?
Burden is widely projected as a potential high NFL Draft pick due to her size, athleticism, and early collegiate success, with scouts routinely listing her among the top receivers in upcoming classes.
10. What are Burden’s goals for the remainder of her college and future football career?
She aims to lead Missouri to SEC contention, continue developing her skills, secure a first-round NFL selection, and make an immediate impact as a professional wide receiver.
