May 9, 2025; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III speaks during the Rookie Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Former Mizzou WR Catching Headlines in OTAs: The Buzz

Originally posted on Missouri Tigers on SI
By Michael Stamps | Last updated Jul 30, 2025 1:00 AM ET

Former Missouri wide receiver and NFL draft selection Luther Burden III made social media headlines yesterday in a very intriguing way. After it was reported that he was chewed out by head coach Ben Johnson and even kicked off the field, it was soon reported after that he showed an impressive response.

#Bears rookie WR Luther Burden was kicked off the field and “chewed out” by Ben Johnson after issues at the LOS during team drills, per multiple reports. pic.twitter.com/AzWmL9zLKy
— JPA Football (@jasrifootball) July 29, 2025

Burden's dealt with a hamstring issue that's led to inconsistent offseason showings. This simply adds to the turmoil that's surrounded the former Tiger this offseason as fans wait for him to get healthy and consistently be on the field.

That being said, an alleged good response that consisted of discipline and cleaner routes is a good sign for Burden. This could be what leads to more consistency from him moving forward.

The former Tiger was selected in the second round of the 2025 NFL draft by the Chicago Bears. He's expected to contribute right away for Johnson and the Bears, with quarterback Caleb Williams having another dynamic target to throw to.

Mizzou in the NFL: Training Camp Updates

Quinnen WillIams on rookie OL Armand Membou ..

"one of the STRONGEST people on the team” and “lightyears ahead of a lot of rookie offensive linemen” he’s faced.@nyjets @MizzouFootball @Mizzou @armandmembou #jetscamp

pic.twitter.com/VdcmVvWCnT
— Kay Adams (@heykayadams) July 29, 2025

Did you notice?

A glimpse at 2027 basketball commit Scottie Adkinson:

Scottie Adkinson (2027) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ @MizzouHoops Commit! @Scottieadkisnon @StatesmenHoops @MW_Showcase @BradBealElite pic.twitter.com/dlTmyAzWjY
— QuadVisual (@AveryQuad) July 30, 2025

An interesting look at the stats and analytics of a recent Missouri basketball five-star commitment:

Each summer, when the recruiting periods ends, I go back and dive into the stats & analytics, evaluating the top prospects one circuit and position at a time.

Today the Summer Scouting Series begins with a deep dive on the top guards in the Nike EYBL. https://t.co/hJrZTU3Z9d pic.twitter.com/eGlR9W88yd
— Adam Finkelstein (@AdamFinkelstein) July 29, 2025

Missouri basketball comes in as an eight-seed in the South Region of Joe Lundardi's recent bracketology for 2026, taking on the Baylor Bears.

https://t.co/vW0tBZwWH5 The announcement flew under the radar a bit, but Grand Canyon's accelerated move from the WAC to the Mountain West for the upcoming season is quite significant from a bracket perspective. The most obvious implication is that a team other than GCU,…
— Joe Lunardi (@ESPNLunardi) July 29, 2025