Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Luther Burden has shared a charming and unconventional story about the beginning of his relationship, revealing he deliberately misled his now-girlfriend about his football talents on their first date.
The Bench Player Deception
In a video posted by Rain Drops Media featuring his girlfriend, Kendall Minglae, the unusual courtship tactic came to light. Burden, a highly-touted five-star prospect from the University of Missouri selected by the Bears in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, decided to 'test' Minglae's intentions when they first met at a younger age.
"He told me he was a bench player when I met him, 'cause I didn't know nothing about football," Minglae explained. She recalled asking him what position he played, to which he replied, "the bench." In reality, at the time, Luther Burden was the number one wide receiver in the entire country.
Despite believing he was a reserve player, Minglae accepted his invitation to attend a game. "I didn't do my research, so he told me to come to a game and he had like five touchdowns that game," she said. Her supportive presence was rewarded with a spectacular performance that quickly revealed the truth of his elite status.
From College Hype to NFL Reality
While the viral tweet suggests the couple met in college, some comments indicate they may have connected earlier, during high school. It is also worth noting that, according to official records, Burden never scored more than two touchdowns in a single game during his three years at Missouri, adding a layer of playful exaggeration to the anecdote.
Transitioning to the professional league has presented its challenges for the rookie. His debut season with the Chicago Bears was hampered by a hamstring injury at the campaign's start, slowing his acclimatisation to the NFL's demands.
Nevertheless, Burden carved out a respectable first year. He was one of only four Bears pass-catchers to secure over 650 receiving yards, finishing his rookie regular season with 652 yards and two touchdowns.
Contributing to a Playoff Run
Burden's modest contributions have continued into the postseason, coinciding with the Bears' successful playoff push. In the crucial NFC Wild Card victory over arch-rivals the Green Bay Packers, the rookie caught three passes for 42 yards.
This win propels the Bears into the NFC Divisional round, where they are now set to face the Los Angeles Rams. As Chicago advances, Luther Burden continues to develop, showing the makings of a future star receiver both on the field and, as his personal story shows, with a distinctive character off it.
