The Chicago Bears’ 2025 rookie minicamp delivered an unexpected punchline when first-round pick Luther Burden III stepped onto the field wearing No. 87 – a number better suited for veteran tight ends than a flashy rookie receiver. The Missouri standout, who once declared "I’ll wear any number as long as it’s 3," found himself in a numerical comedy routine straight out of Chicago’s playbook.

Why 87? Blame Halas Hall’s Number Graveyard

Burden’s quest for a jersey became a Bears history lesson. Between retired legends (Walter Payton’s 34, Dick Butkus’ 51) and current roster math, options vanished faster than a deep post route:

• His college No. 3: Retired at Missouri since 2020

• Preferred single digits: All claimed by defensive backs

• Traditional receiver numbers (10-19): Hoarded by teammates

"Guess I’m starting the ‘Cool 80s Club’," Burden joked to reporters. "Next thing you know, I’ll be wearing high-top cleats and carrying a boombox to practice."

From Odd Choice to Omen: Chicago’s 87 Legacy

While initially raising eyebrows, No. 87 carries hidden Bears magic:

• Tom Waddle (1991-1994): Turned the number into a cult hero symbol with circus catches

• Muhsin Muhammad (2005-2007): Wore it during Chicago’s Super Bowl XLI run

• 2024 Bears trivia: Practice squad TE Chase Allen last wore it while catching 3 passes

"Pressure? Nah," Burden shrugged. "If I play well, maybe they’ll retire 87 twice. Once for Ditka, once for me."

Scouting Report: Why Numbers Don’t Define This Playmaker

Chicago’s new offensive weapon brings tools that transcend digits:

• 4.41 speed (faster than Tyreek Hill’s combine time)

• 87-inch wingspan (coincidence? "Total accident," Burden insists)

• 2023 stats: 1,212 yards on 50% contested catches at Missouri

NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah compared him to "a hybrid of Kadarius Toney’s agility and DJ Moore’s hands," though Bears fans hope he’ll avoid Toney’s infamous muffed punts.

Rookie Reality: Earning Digits in Chicago

With established stars DJ Moore and Rome Odunze dominating targets, Burden faces a Chicago truth: jersey numbers are easier to claim than WR1 status. His response? "I didn’t come here to argue about numbers. I came to make 87 famous."

As minicamp concluded, one veteran defender offered perspective: "In 2003, some kid named Tom Brady wore 12 because 10 was taken. How’d that work out?" For Burden and the Bears, this numerical comedy might just have a Hall of Fame punchline.