One thing you learn quickly about competitors? They know how to hold a grudge. That is especially true in professional sports. That iconic Chicago Bears 73-0 rout of the Washington Redskins in the 1940 NFL championship was spurred by a burning desire for revenge. It was fueled by the Redskins owner calling the Bears crybaby quitters after a frustrating 7-3 loss earlier that season. George Halas never let his players forget that. It appears Luther Burden is cut from the same cloth.
Going into the 2024 season, the Missouri wide receiver was a guaranteed 1st round pick had he been eligible. One year later, most still agreed he was a 1st round talent. So it was a shock when he fell all the way to the 39th pick in the 2nd round. For somebody with an ego like Burden’s, that was tantamount to a smack in the face. He took it personal. That was made crystal clear when he spoke to the media after the first rookie minicamp practice on Friday. The league has been put on notice.
Luther Burden is no stranger to revenge plots.
He carried out a couple during his college career. As a freshman in 2022, South Carolina smothered him for just five yards on two catches. One year later, he made them pay with five catches for 97 yards and a touchdown. The same was true of Florida. After holding him to 20 yards in their first matchup against Luther Burden, he torched them for 158 in the rematch. Many have wondered about the young wide receiver. He is known for being aloof and temperamental, not sporting the best work ethic. In such situations, the key is often finding a source of motivation for the player. The rest of the NFL seems to have done the work for the Bears. He is furious about the disrespect in the draft, watching receivers less talented than him go sooner. They will all learn in good time.
