Bears Rookie Luther Burden Wears No. 87 Amid Retired Jersey Shortage

Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III will wear No. 87 in his NFL debut due to the team's extensive list of retired numbers, including his college number 3, which honors Hall of Famer Bronko Nagurski. Burden humorously noted, "All the good numbers are gone," highlighting the challenge posed by the Bears' 14 retired jerseys, the most in the NFL. Despite the number change, the Bears are excited about Burden's potential to fill the slot receiver role vacated by Keenan Allen, given his speed, sure hands, and versatility. Burden, selected 39th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, is motivated by being picked in the second round and aims to make an immediate impact alongside quarterback Caleb Williams. While fans and Burden himself favored his familiar No. 3, the franchise's tradition and respect for retired numbers remain a significant factor in jersey assignments. Burden's presence is expected to open new offensive opportunities for the Bears as they transition under a new coaching regime.