NFL punishes Chicago Bears rookie before Browns game

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated Dec 13, 2025 6:47 PM ET

The Chicago Bears are set to host the Cleveland Browns on Sunday in a must-win game for the home team.

The 9-4 Bears need to take advantage of a 3-10 Browns squad before finishing the regular season against the Green Bay Packers, San Francisco 49ers, and Detroit Lions.

With the Packers getting set to play the AFC West-leading Denver Broncos on Sunday, Chicago has a chance to regain the lead in the NFC North if they beat Cleveland.

Before the game on Sunday, the NFL sent a message to rookie wide receiver Luther Burden. The league fined Burden $11,075 for unnecessary roughness for putting his hand on the neck of Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon.

Reason why the NFL fined Chicago Bears rookie Luther Burden

Nixon appeared to talk trash to Burden before the rookie reacted.

The NFL fined #Bears WR Luther Burden III $11,075 for this action on Keisean Nixon. https://t.co/xoiwbt8mvF

— Jordan Sigler (@JordanSig) December 13, 2025

With Rome Odunze ruled out for the game due to a foot injury, Burden led the Bears with four receptions for 67 yards in the loss to the Packers. Burden has 30 receptions for 395 yards and one touchdown before Chicago plays the Browns.

Burden should have known better than to react that way against Nixon, even the Green Bay cornerback is terribly annoying. The fine is a significant chunk of change for a wide receiver playing on a rookie salary.

The NFL handed out 17 penalties on Saturday, accounting for .75 percent of all plays in Week 14.

As of Saturday, it appears like Odunze will be back to play the Browns at a frigid Solider Field on Sunday. It’ll be interesting to see if the Williams-to-Burden connection continues to grow if Odunze is healthy.

NFL: Chicago Bears Rookie Minicamp Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III warms up during the Rookie Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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