Bears Rookie Luther Burden III Shares a Brutal Gritty Mentality with Lions’ Jameson Williams

Khari Thompson, who has covered the Bears for WCG since 2023 and is also a 2nd City Gridiron podcast host, highlights a surprising connection between two rising NFL receivers.

At first glance, Chicago Bears’ new draft pick Luther Burden III and Detroit Lions’ speed demon Jameson Williams may not seem alike. Williams is sleek, blazingly fast, and can outrun nearly anyone. Burden, on the other hand, is built sturdier—more like a compact wrecking ball—with sharp agility and a versatile game reminiscent of a slimmer Deebo Samuel. Some even compare his skill set to that of one of his new Bears teammates.

But it turns out there’s a bond between them deeper than just their positions.

After Chicago selected Burden with the 39th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Lions offensive coordinator-turned-Bears coach Ben Johnson shared a message he received from Williams. “He texted me and said, ‘You got a dog just like me,’” Johnson recalled. “Luther carries that same fire. That same boldness.”

Their connection traces back to St. Louis, where both receivers attended Cardinal Ritter College Prep—Williams as a senior, and Burden as a freshman. After Williams left for Ohio State and then Alabama, Burden continued to make waves at Cardinal Ritter before finishing high school at East St. Louis Senior.

Though Burden doesn’t possess the blazing 4.2 speed of Williams, those who know both understand how explosive Burden can be. Johnson praised Burden’s physical tools and quickness: “He’s over 200 pounds and still moves with incredible fluidity. He can change direction instantly and hit top gear in a flash. Give him just a bit of room and he can turn a play into something big. He’s a true weapon.”

The Bears didn’t necessarily need another receiver this year, but Burden’s talent demanded attention. He’s not just a wideout—he’s an offensive threat that coaches must find ways to involve. Johnson, now in Chicago, seems like the kind of coach who can unlock that potential.

While Burden still has room to grow in terms of route running and technical skills, his innate toughness and drive—the qualities often referred to as “having that dog in him”—are already elite. As Williams noted, that kind of edge can’t be taught.