Things move fast in the NFL, and the way that Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams inspired a new nickname for teammate and wide receiver Luther Burden III took hold underscores that.
Burden is stepping into a much larger role following the trade of DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills.
He will co-exist with fellow wideout and 2024 first-round pick Rome Odunze and 2025 draft mate Colston Loveland in the Bears’ offense. But there is undoubtedly an expectation from everyone involved who has weighed in for a big year from the former second-round pick.
Bears’ Luther Burden III Embraces Nickname From Caleb Williams
Caleb Williams Compares Luther Burden III to Darth Vader
Burden began the snowball effect with a post that included a highlight reel from his rookie season with the Bears and the caption “Here I come…” Williams shared that post to his Instagram, splicing imagery of iconic Star Wars villain Darth Vader.
Both posts were enough on their own to draw attention.
But Burden took things a step further, sharing a fan-made edit of him in an all-white, Bears-themed variation of Vader’s costume.
The moment captured was from the Bears’ Week 14 matchup against the Green Bay Packers, in which Burden grabbed cornerback Keisean Nixon by the throat, something Vader does to his enemies via “The Force,” but also drew a fine.
The fan captioned it “Darth Burden.”
Burden got off to a slow start, missing time during the offseason program due to injuries.
He also had his campaign interrupted, missing the Week 16 matchup against the Packers. But he flashed what could be in store for 2026.
Luther Burden III Could Have Breakout Second Season
Burden, who turns 23 in December, had 652 yards and 4 touchdowns on 47 receptions in 60 targets, starting five of his 15 games played. He tacked on a 6-66-0 line for the Bears in the postseason.
Bears general manager Ryan Poles said Burden influenced their decision to trade Moore.
Head coach Ben Johnson echoed those sentiments regarding Burden’s potential and what he can provide for the offense.
Burden and Odunze’s playing styles are complementary, as is Loveland’s, which should provide plenty of runway for all three to put up substantial production this coming season. Still, Burden is showing just the kind of dogged mentality that has many excited about his future.
The most important thing for Burden and the Bears, though, is that he delivers on the field.