Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III has consistently made his presence felt in training camp and the preseason, and that continued on Friday against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Luther Burden III Sends 3-Word Message After Blemish in Bears-Chiefs
Bears’ Luther Burden III Wiped Out Big Play With Penalty
Burden worked with the second team, and he finished the night without an official reception. His lone catch, a 20-yarder from Bagent, was negated due to offsetting penalties, one of which was an unsportsmanlike call against Burden for spinning the ball in the defender’s direction.
Burden shared a clip that suggested the NFL prefers players not to celebrate. He captioned it, saying “at this point” with a laughing emoji.
Chiefs cornerback Kristian Fulton drew the other penalty on the play for illegal contact, but it was a veritable win for KC since it wiped out a gain for Chicago.
Burden may have avoided any repercussions had he simply spun the ball in the opposite direction from the defender. He has done well to catch up after missing time with a hamstring issue during the offseason program.
This is a minor example of a finer point the Bears may want Burden to improve on.
He also had one carry that he took for nine yards, showcasing the kind of versatility the Bears hope to see this coming season.
Luther Burden III Number Watch
Burden made waves upon his arrival when discussing his jersey number (87). He said that the “good numbers” were already taken.
He has done well “making it work.”
However, Burden seems like a prime candidate for a number change as soon as he is able to find a more suitable option. Of course, that is where it could get tricky for Burden, who has worn the No. 3 since at least his high school days, even while playing basketball.
That number, once worn by the legendary Bronko Nagurski, is one of many the Bears have retired over the years.
From there, the options get even more complex.
Nos. 6 and 9 are multiples of three, but are also already worn by established players in Kyler Gordon and Jaquan Brisker, respectively. No. 12, another multiple, belongs to teammate and fellow wideout Devin Duvernay.
No. 13 is not a multiple of “3.” It does have the digit within it, though.
However, it belongs to Maurice Alexander, whose strong summer may have earned him a spot on the practice squad.
Would Burden choose a path like teammate Jahdae Walker (No. 20) or former Chiefs wideout Skyy Moore (No. 24)? What about moving to No. 83 (currently worn by Samori Toure, another practice squad candidate) if it becomes available?
All single-digit and teen numbers are either retired or spoken for, pending roster cuts.
Third-year wideout Tyler Scott wears No. 10, and backup QB Case Keenum, No. 11. They could end up as surprise cut candidates, which would open up more options for Burden.
He might have to ride out his rookie season in No. 87, revisiting the possible options next offseason. By then, though, Burden may have made it work to the point that sticking with his current number set, which has a special place in Bears history, is worthwhile.