Ben Johnson Hints Bears Will Be Making Huge Change at WR Soon
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With his game improving, rookie Luther Burden III could be ready to start over Olamide Zaccheaus in the Bears lineup.
Over halfway into the 2025 season, calls for the Chicago Bears to give rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III may be getting too loud to ignore.
Perhaps that’s because the argument for increasing Burden’s role is growing stronger by the week.
The Bears’ veteran counterpart in the slot, Olamide Zaccheaus, has been a favorite target of quarterback Caleb Williams, but his 7.8 yards per catch is significantly less than Burden’s 13.9 average.
After the Bears’ Week 10 win over the New York Giants, which featured several drops from Zaccheaus and a few big plays from Burden, Bears coach Ben Johnson says the rookie wideout could be seeing the field much more in the second half of season.
Bears HC Ben Johnson Comments on Starting Luther Burden Over Olamide Zaccheaus
GettyWide receiver Luther Burden III of the Chicago Bears could be ready to take over Olamide Zaccheaus’ spot in the lineup.
“You’ve slowly seen his rep count go up,” head coach Ben Johnson said about Burden on November 9. “He’s the guy that’s starting to get more targets. It’s a trust level between the coaches and the player. It’s a trust level between the quarterback and a receiver. It continues to ascend. And so, he’s been very productive when we’ve been able to get the ball in his hands, and there’s a strong argument that we should get it to him more.”
Burden arrived in Chicago after a standout collegiate career with the Missouri Tigers. Over three seasons at Mizzou, he had 192 catches for 2,263 yards, netting 11.8 yards per catch. He also had 21 receiving touchdowns.
In his 2023 campaign alone, he amassed 86 catches for 1,212 yards and nine scores, the best receiving output of his college tenure. At the 2025 NFL Combine, he showcased his elite speed with a 4.42-second 40-yard dash, reaching a top speed of 22.8 mph.
So far as a rookie this season, Burden has shown some definite flashes. He has caught 16 of the 18 passes thrown his way (that’s an incredible 88.9% catch percentage), and his 136.4 passer rating when targeted leads the team. His stats are modest — he has 16 grabs for 222 yards and a TD — but considering how little he has been used, that’s to be expected.
A Closer Look at the Chicago Bears WRs Room Heading Into Week 11
With wideouts DJ Moore and Rome Odunze commanding significant attention, the Bears’ WR3 role has been Zaccheaus’s thus far this season. OZ has played 353 offensive snaps, starting three games, while Burden has played 144 snaps with one start. Zaccheaus has 32 catches for 248 yards and a score. Considering he has played half the snaps but still has similar stats to OZ, it’s fair to suggest Chicago’s offense could get an additional boost if Burden sees the field more.
The gap between Burden’s yards per reception and Zaccheaus’s is the most glaring comp. With the rookie averaging almost twice what OZ is per catch, there’s no doubt the playmaking ability is there.
Burden has got the quickness to get separation, he can change direction on a dime and at 6-foot and 210 pounds, he can absorb contact and keep going rather than simply evading defenders. The Bears didn’t take him in the second round to keep him on the bench all year. Trust takes time, and if Johnson’s recent comments are any indicator, Burden is earning that trust and will likely see more playing time moving forward.
John W. Henry Expresses Regret After Kid Rock Cancels NFL Tour: ‘A Disappointment for Fans and the League’
In the wake of Kid Rock’s shocking announcement to cancel his NFL tour, which was set to include high-profile performances at major games, NFL team owner John W. Henry has expressed his disappointment. Henry, who oversees the Boston Red Sox, spoke out about the cancellation, calling it “a missed opportunity” for both the fans and the league.
Kid Rock, who has long been a fixture of high-energy performances and outspoken political views, took to social media earlier this week to declare: “I don’t sing for people who don’t respect me.” The statement, coming just months before the scheduled tour dates, has sparked heated debates across the country. While fans have rallied around Kid Rock’s right to stand by his principles, the decision has left many feeling frustrated, especially those looking forward to his shows at key NFL events.
"A Blow to Fans and the League"
John W. Henry, whose leadership of the Red Sox has been marked by both triumphs and challenges, expressed regret over Kid Rock’s decision to cancel the NFL tour. “It’s a disappointment for the fans who were excited to see Kid Rock perform during such an exciting part of the season,” Henry said. “He has always been a dynamic performer and has drawn significant crowds, especially at high-profile events. His shows have always brought energy and excitement, and this cancellation is a real blow.”
The cancellation was not only a loss for fans of Kid Rock’s music but also a setback for the NFL, which had hoped to include his performances as part of its broader entertainment programming. The singer’s high-profile presence at NFL games had long been a part of the league’s strategy to blend sports and entertainment, and his sudden exit from the schedule leaves a hole that may be difficult to fill.
"A Personal Decision"
Despite the widespread disappointment, Henry acknowledged that Kid Rock’s decision was deeply personal and rooted in his desire to maintain control over his career and values. “I respect anyone who sticks to their principles,” Henry said. “At the end of the day, this is Kid Rock’s decision, and while we may not agree with it, we understand that it’s important for him to stand by what he believes in.”
The cancellation comes after Kid Rock’s public statement about not performing for those he feels don’t show him the respect he deserves, a sentiment that resonated with some of his supporters but left others perplexed and frustrated. The singer has yet to clarify exactly who he was referring to in his statement, but the controversy has ignited a nationwide conversation about the intersection of music, politics, and entertainment.
"The Impact on the NFL and the Industry"
While Kid Rock’s fans have rallied behind him, the ripple effects of his cancellation are being felt across the NFL and the entertainment industry. Kid Rock’s performances were meant to coincide with major league events, including high-profile matchups and the lead-up to the playoffs, and his presence was expected to bring excitement and high-energy performances to these games.
“The NFL thrives on entertainment, and Kid Rock has been a huge part of that over the years,” Henry explained. “This cancellation is not just a loss for fans of Kid Rock, but for the NFL’s broader brand of bringing entertainment and sports together. It’s unfortunate, but we have to respect the artist’s wishes.”
"Looking Forward"
Despite the setback, Henry remains optimistic about the future of entertainment at NFL events. “We’ll continue to find exciting ways to bring entertainment to our fans,” he said. “The league has always found innovative ways to make the game an experience, and we’ll continue to do so.”
As for Kid Rock, the singer has yet to comment further on the cancellation, but his decision to take a stand has only intensified the conversation surrounding the relationship between celebrities, sports, and politics. For now, fans and the industry will have to adjust to the change, with hopes that future collaborations between music icons and sports organizations will continue in a way that resonates with all sides.
