Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams and Chicago Bears rookie Luther Burden III were once teammates at Cardinal Ritter Prep in St. Louis back in 2018, when Williams was a senior and Burden a freshman.

Now, years later, they find themselves on opposing teams in the same division, set to become regular rivals moving forward.

The two wideouts share another connection: Burden will now play under new Bears head coach Ben Johnson, who previously served as offensive coordinator for Williams in Detroit over the past three seasons.

Williams recently enjoyed a breakout year, surpassing 1,000 receiving yards for the first time, and knows Johnson’s offense well. Burden, who was expected to be a first-round pick but slipped to the Bears in Round 2, said he got a call from Williams praising Johnson and his system.

“He said I’m gonna love it,” Burden shared on his first day of rookie minicamp, according to Scott Bair of Marquee Sports Network. “So … let’s go.”

A five-star talent from East St. Louis, Illinois, Burden chose Missouri over powerhouses like Alabama and Georgia, with the goal of lifting the Tigers’ program. As a freshman in 2022, he caught 45 passes for 375 yards and six scores, adding two rushing touchdowns and one on a punt return.

Burden noted that he and Williams have stayed close over the years.

“He’s been a great mentor I can always go to for advice,” Burden said about Williams. “We’ve trained together consistently and stayed in touch.”

Burden’s 2023 sophomore campaign was even stronger, as he hauled in 86 passes for 1,212 yards and nine touchdowns, earning him First-Team All-SEC recognition. While his numbers dipped in 2024 — 61 catches for 676 yards and six touchdowns — his full body of work ranks him among Missouri’s elite, with 192 catches for 2,263 yards and 21 TDs over three seasons.

His entry into the 2025 NFL Draft didn’t surprise anyone. At the combine, Burden ran a 4.41-second 40-yard dash with a 1.54-second 10-yard split, showcasing his athleticism and burst. He now has the chance to flourish in the same system that helped launch Williams’ career.

Johnson is known for molding his scheme around his players’ strengths, which should help elevate the entire offense. His track record with young receivers like Williams bodes well for Burden and second-year wideout Rome Odunze. Johnson is also excited to work with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and to implement a collaborative game plan.

With Johnson’s past success coaching receivers, it’s likely Williams is right: Burden could thrive under his leadership.

Burden’s skillset puts him in a good spot to succeed in the NFL. If he can stay healthy, his path could mirror Williams’, and with Johnson guiding him, the future looks bright for Burden in Chicago.