Chicago Bears Rookie WR Luther Burden Gets Kicked Off Field, Chewed Out by Coach Ben Johnson for Repeated Mental Errors
Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Luther Burden received a harsh but purposeful lesson during team drills at training camp this week. According to multiple reports from Halas Hall, Burden was temporarily kicked off the field and “chewed out” by first-year head coach Ben Johnson after repeated issues at the line of scrimmage during 11-on-11 drills.
The highly-touted rookie out of Missouri, known for his explosive playmaking and confidence, appeared visibly frustrated as Johnson pointed out his mistakes in front of teammates and staff. The moment was one of the more intense scenes from Bears training camp so far—and perhaps a pivotal one for a player expected to play a major role in the offense this fall.
A Wake-Up Call for a Rising Star
Luther Burden entered the 2025 NFL Draft as one of the top receivers on the board after a stellar collegiate career with the Missouri Tigers. Drafted by the Bears in the first round, he was expected to help jump-start a struggling Chicago offense alongside quarterback Caleb Williams.
But expectations come with pressure—and growing pains. Burden’s early struggles with alignment, route discipline, and recognizing defensive coverages during practice have drawn the attention of Bears coaching staff.
“Coach Johnson just had enough,” a team source told The Athletic. “It wasn’t about disrespect—it was about accountability. Luther kept lining up wrong and missing assignments. It’s not personal. It’s the NFL.”
Johnson, known for his no-nonsense demeanor and background as an offensive guru, made it clear that no rookie—no matter how talented—is exempt from criticism.
Burden’s Reaction and What It Means
After being sent to the sideline, Burden was seen pacing and speaking with wide receivers coach Antwaan Randle El. He later rejoined practice but did not take further reps during that session.
To his credit, Burden did not shy away from the moment after practice. He addressed reporters briefly, acknowledging his mistakes.
“I didn’t have my best day,” he admitted. “I’ve got to be better, plain and simple. Coach Johnson expects a lot out of us, and I take that seriously. It’s all love. I’m learning.”
Veteran wideout DJ Moore, who has taken Burden under his wing this offseason, offered words of encouragement.
“Luther’s got all the tools,” Moore said. “We’ve all been there. What matters is how you respond. And he’s gonna respond the right way.”
Ben Johnson’s Culture Shift
This incident underscores the culture change Ben Johnson is attempting to instill in Chicago. Since arriving from the Detroit Lions, where he was heralded as one of the brightest young offensive minds in football, Johnson has emphasized discipline, situational awareness, and attention to detail.
“We’re going to hold everyone to the same standard,” Johnson said in a post-practice presser. “I don’t care if you’re a rookie or a ten-year vet. If you’re not locked in, we’re going to correct it.”
Johnson didn’t name Burden directly but alluded to the broader point.
“It’s about professionalism,” he said. “We want to win games, and that starts with doing the little things right every single day.”
Camp Competition Intensifies
Burden is expected to be a major contributor, but he’s not guaranteed a starting role. The Bears wide receiver room is more crowded and competitive than it’s been in years. In addition to Moore, the team boasts productive veterans like Darnell Mooney and newcomers such as Tyler Scott and Velus Jones Jr., all vying for snaps.
That internal competition is something Johnson embraces—and believes will accelerate development.
“You don’t grow in comfort zones,” he said. “Pressure reveals who’s ready.”
Burden’s raw talent is not in question. His speed, shiftiness, and ability to make defenders miss have been on display throughout camp. But to secure a prominent role in Johnson’s offense, he’ll need to master the playbook, clean up pre-snap alignment issues, and win his coach’s trust.
NFL Veterans Weigh In
Former NFL receiver Steve Smith Sr., now an analyst with NFL Network, weighed in on the incident during a training camp segment.
“Listen, this isn’t college anymore,” Smith said. “You don’t get babied in the NFL. Getting chewed out means they care. If they didn’t think Luther had the talent, they’d just bench him and move on.”
He continued, “It’s good to get humbled early. The kid will bounce back. He’s got that dog in him.”
Looking Ahead: A Key Stretch for Burden
The Bears are just days away from their first preseason game, and all eyes will be on how Burden responds. If the rookie can turn this moment into fuel for improvement, it may ultimately serve as a turning point in his professional development.
“He’ll be fine,” said general manager Ryan Poles when asked about the incident. “He’s a competitor. He’s wired the right way. This is part of the journey.”
Burden will have further opportunities to show growth in joint practices scheduled next week, as well as in upcoming preseason games where Johnson will closely evaluate his performance.
Training camp is as much about mental resilience as physical conditioning. For a player like Luther Burden—gifted, young, and full of promise—this episode is a reminder that talent alone won’t get you far in the NFL.
Ben Johnson’s message was clear: You have to earn everything. And for Burden, that process is just beginning.
The spotlight will continue to follow him, and how he responds to adversity may determine how quickly he can become the difference-maker Bears fans hope he will be.
One thing’s certain: He now knows exactly what’s expected—and he has the firepower to rise to the occasion.
