Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III didn’t have the explosive debut many fans hoped for in his team’s narrow 27-24 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Monday Night Football.
The second-round draft pick was targeted just once, recording a single catch that went for negative yardage.
But after the game, Burden received words of encouragement from one of the NFL’s biggest stars. Cameras caught Vikings All-Pro Justin Jefferson pulling the rookie aside with an uplifting message.
“You’re gonna have your opportunity, brother,” Jefferson told Burden, offering reassurance after a tough night.
Jefferson’s words carry weight. The Vikings wideout, a first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, also started his NFL career slowly, managing just two catches for 26 yards in his debut against the Green Bay Packers.
Of course, he quickly turned things around, finishing his rookie season with over 1,400 receiving yards and establishing himself as one of the league’s most dominant receivers. Since then, Jefferson has never dipped below the 1,000-yard mark in a season, earning four Pro Bowl selections and two All-Pro honors.
Burden, who showcased his talent during three standout seasons at Missouri, is expected to play a key role in Chicago’s offense moving forward. And if Jefferson’s journey is anything to go by, Bears fans should remain patient — their young receiver’s breakout moment could be just around the corner.
