Coach Ben Johnson identifies a fierce, "invincible" competitive edge in Luther Burden, drawing striking parallels to the physical playstyle and relentless drive of All-Pro Amon-Ra St. Brown.
Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson has been in the NFL for a long time, but has only really been with three different franchises.
He started with the Miami Dolphins in 2012 as an offensive assistant. He then worked his way up to the assistant quarterbacks coach in 2013, before becoming the tight ends coach in 2015.
Johnson went from tight ends coach to assistant wide receivers coach in 2016 and then got the full-time receivers coach gig in 2018.
Johnson left for the Detroit Lions in 2019 to be an offensive quality control coach. He became a tight ends coach again in 2020 and then was promoted to passing game coordinator in 2021.
He was promoted to offensive coordinator in 2022, which was the last position he held before becoming the Bears' HC in 2025.
During his time in the NFL, Johnson has had the privilege of working with some quality receivers.
At the Dolphins, he had Jarvis Landry, who was a five-time Pro Bowler. In Detroit, he had Jameson Williams and Amon-Ra St. Brown.
Johnson has exciting receivers at the Bears now, too. Rome Odunze and Luther Burden are returning for another year in his offense.
Burden is in a position to take a big leap with D.J. Moore no longer in the offense. His head coach is even comparing him to quite an impressive receiver.
In an interview with Fox32 Chicago, Johnson was asked what qualities elite receivers possess.
He noted that elite receivers can almost flip a switch and play like they are invincible. He compared St. Brown and Burden, saying he sees a lot of the Lions wideout in the second-year Bears receiver.
"Well, I mean, I think it's anytime they kind of flip a switch when they go on the field, and they feel like that they're invincible and that they're the best players out there," Johnson said. "You know, I've been around guys like Jarvis Landry, who's a tremendous competitor. Played with a little chip on his shoulder, was physical in the running game, not afraid of contact. You could just feel the whole team elevate based on his style of play. [Amon-Ra] St. Brown in Detroit, who I have a strong affinity for. He plays the game the same way. I feel that from Luther [Burden], and I know he wasn't a full-time starter for us a year ago, but the snaps he had, he's got that competitive edge and desire to be great."
If Burden's career turns out like St. Brown's has, that would be great. St. Brown has been to four straight Pro Bowls and is a two-time First-Team All-Pro.
Johnson saw firsthand the potential that St. Brown had, and now he's getting a front-row seat to Burden's ascension in year two of this Bears offense.
The 2026 season could be a special one for Burden, especially when you're already being compared to someone like St. Brown.
