Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver and second-round draft pick Luther Burden III was in noteworthy company during a recent photoshoot for Under Armour.
Burden was one of five rookies signed to the brand this offseason. During his trip for the shoot in LA, the Bears’ young playmaker, Burden, crossed paths with two other athletes. Most notable among them was Minnesota Vikings star Justin Jefferson.
Luther Burden III Links Up With Justin Jefferson, Zay Flowers Before Bears Training Camp
Bears WR Luther Burden III Has Star-Studded Photoshoot
Burden, who the Bears selected No. 39 overall pick of the draft, posted pictures of himself with Jefferson and Baltimore Ravens wideout Zay Flowers and with rapper Gunna.
“8-hour shoot. Been great, been fun,” Burden said in a video posted to his “Luther & Kendall” YouTube page on June 30. “My boy Cam [Ward] was out here. I’ve seen Cam before, though, so. But good to see my boy, Cam. And I met Gunna, saw Justin for the first time, Zay for the first time, you know what I’m saying? So, we had a great day, and it’s great to be around those guys. Wishing all those guys luck for this season.”
Burden and Jefferson will see each other to open the 2025 regular season. The Bears host the Vikings for Monday Night Football.
Luther Burden III Part of ‘Next Era of Elite’ Talent
Burden joins fellow rookies Ward, the No. 1 pick of the 2025 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans. He also joins Matthew Golden of the Green Bay Packers, Nick Emmanwori of the Seattle Seahawks, and Tyler Booker of the Dallas Cowboys.
The group is “poised to make an impact.”
“Under Armour proudly announces the next era of elite football talent as the brand doubles down on its commitment to shaping the future of the game,” the brand wrote in April. “This new class of signings reinforces Under Armour’s legacy in football — not just as a gear provider, but as a brand that identifies and cultivates greatness from the ground up.
“Luther Burden III … brings power, precision, and presence to the game. As one of the most versatile and dominant wide receivers in college football, Burden led Missouri in receptions, yards, and touchdowns this past season. His sharp route-running, after-catch toughness, and competitive fire make him a nightmare for opposing defenses — and a perfect fit for Under Armour’s bold playing style.”
Burden did not take the field during the Bears’ offseason program after rookie minicamp.
“You’re losing valuable time. Valuable time with your coaches, valuable reps with your teammates, the ability to build the trust that we’re talking about,” Johnson told reporters on June 10. “It’s a shame that he got dinged up and missed all that time. Because for a young player, it’s really where you get the most reps, and you can get better in a hurry that way.”