Luther Burden III Joins Bears, Gets No. 87

Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III, selected in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, will wear No. 87 after being unable to keep his preferred No. 3, which is retired in honor of Bronko Nagurski. Burden, who wore No. 3 in high school and college, referenced the challenges of finding a new number, joking that 'all the good numbers are gone.' His draft stock fell amid rumors concerning his commitment and coachability, though his former college coach has denied these claims. The Bears view Burden as an important addition alongside Rome Odunze, DJ Moore, Cole Kmet, and Colston Loveland in their offense. Burden is motivated by his draft-day slide and looks forward to contributing to the Chicago team. He has also shared personal stories, including his favorite college memory and his affection for his two French bulldogs.