Latest news with #Brisker
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Bears Safety Jaquan Brisker Returns After Missing Most of 2024 Season
Bears Safety Jaquan Brisker Returns After Missing Most of 2024 Season originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The second day of Chicago Bears minicamp is officially in the books, and the action is heating up. With new head coach Ben Johnson continuing to shape the team's identity, both the offense and defense turned in strong moments. But while the competition remains fierce on the field, it was the return of a familiar presence that may end up being the highlight of the week. Advertisement Jaquan Brisker, 26, made his long-awaited return to the practice field. Now entering his third season with the Bears, the hard-hitting safety missed 11 games last year due to a concussion sustained in Week 5 against the Carolina Panthers. Bears OTAGetty Images His return was documented in clips from Bears on CHSN, with the full interview available at Brisker spoke at length during media availability, reflecting on the mental and physical toll of being sidelined. 'It was hard being away from football, especially week to week,' he said. 'It was kind of sad, depressing, things like that. But I got over it. It's time to move on, and I'm back now.' Brisker emphasized that he doesn't plan to change his aggressive play style. 'I'm going to continue to play the same way,' he said. 'That was my first time really having a contact injury. He hit his head on my neck… really just moving on from that.' He explained that the injury was a vestibular concussion and offered insight into his recovery process: 'Just really working side to side, catching tennis balls, just doing different things to get my nervous system back right. That's really what it was about.' Advertisement This marks Brisker's third concussion in as many seasons, but before the setback, he was trending upward. In 2023, he posted 105 total tackles, 9 passes defended, and two forced fumbles—earning recognition as one of the Bears' most promising defenders. Jaquan BriskerGetty Images Despite his concussion history, Brisker made it clear that retirement was never an option. His return now is more than symbolic; it's strategic. As the Bears continue to build momentum this offseason, having Brisker healthy and back in the mix could help stabilize a defense in need of leadership. Time will tell if he can stay on the field—but for now, his presence is a welcome sight. Advertisement Related: Bears Rookie Draws Buzz Online With Viral Video Moment Related: Bears Star Featured in Madden 26 Trailer This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 5, 2025, where it first appeared.
NBC Sports
04-06-2025
- Health
- NBC Sports
Bears S Jaquan Brisker hasn't considered retirement despite concussion history
Bears safety Jaquan Brisker has had a concussion in each of his first three NFL seasons, with the worst one coming last season. Despite that, Brisker said he has not considered retirement. He also does not plan to change his playing style. 'No, I'm not,' Brisker, 26, said Wednesday, via 670 The Score. 'I'm not. I'm good. I'm past that point. I'm really moving on. I'm just focused on playing ball. I'm going to continue to play the same way.' Brisker's most recent head injury occurred Oct. 6 against the Panthers. He did not play again, missing the final 12 games. He said he was feeling 'off' with dizziness and vertigo while in concussion protocol. So, the Bears sent him to the University of Pittsburgh to see a specialist, who diagnosed Brisker with a vestibular concussion. Brisker underwent physical therapy to re-train his nervous system. 'It was hard being away from football,' Brisker said. 'Especially week to week, it was kind of being sad and depressing, things like that. But I got over it. It's time to move on. I'm back now.' Brisker, a second-round pick of the Bears in 2022, has appeared in 35 games in his three seasons. He is entering the final year of his rookie contract.
Otago Daily Times
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Came for a brisk visit, but found home
It was the infamous All Blacks defeat at the 1999 Rugby World Cup against the French that inspired American artist Robin Brisker to move to New Zealand at the start of the new millennium. Not exactly, but it was while watching the game from an Amsterdam pub that reminded Mr Brisker that of all the countries he had explored, and there were many, New Zealand was untouched. "I had never seen rugby before and that was entertaining. I was watching and I was like; 'what's that? What's a knock-on?' I got addicted to it." Until he moved to Wanaka in 2000, the 71-year-old had not lived in a place for any longer than five years, it was his general rule of thumb. Born in Chicago and raised all over the United States, Brisker learned at a young age to adapt to any environment and with very little. "I was in 12 schools in 12 years ... The first move was devastating then you realise it teaches you to adapt, and you can be more independent than you think." "I have had 70 addresses [across] 10 countries." While he has worked in about every job you can think of; a meat packer in Detroit, busker in Munich, juggler in Adelaide, chauffeur in Mexico — his one constant has been art, he has been doing it all along. "I illustrated my high school yearbook in 1972, so that's when I first got published." Since then, he has been selling art throughout the world. He owned his own gallery in Chicago, again in Florida and sold a painting of a watermelon to Madonna while working in a health spa in Mexico. His work has been collected by Miles Davis, Madonna, Jamie Wyeth, Amy Irving and artist's Dan Rizzie and Tony Fitzpatrick. Never in his transient life did he think he would settle, but it was Wānaka that had him sit at a final destination and it was not for its lucrative art scene. "I said this town's got everything, I am going to spend the summer here." That summer turned into 25 more, but it has not been a walk in the park for the artist who would sell paintings in Chicago on the daily for four times the amount he would sell one here. "The prices I was getting in Chicago 25 years ago is still more than what I get today here in New Zealand." "In Wānaka people would rather spend money on a new bike, a pair of boots and ski gear. Art is not a priority, there are tonnes of artists in this town but not nearly enough art appreciators." "I have attempted landscapes, but I don't particularly care for them. Nothing sells good here, everyone I know here has one of my pieces, it is a small town, and they come here not because it's artistic, but it is because it is the beautiful adventure capital." While art success came easy in Chicago, known for its popular art culture, he "never wanted to be anywhere more than five years", so he up and left. Mr Brisker chose Wānaka for safety and the stunning outlook. "I haven't locked my car in 25 years here." "In Chicago I was constantly aware of crime and lived on a street where the sirens were going every second." His story began in Wānaka when he bought three acres of land on Golf Course Rd, and turned a house into a backpackers. The Tree House as he named it, and sold it later for four times the price. He took the opportunity to try sell his art out of Queenstown, but did not like the lifestyle and moved back to buy his Mount Iron property. "This property is the best art I have done, I think. You don't see a neighbour or hear a neighbour, I get to see what I created, I built or planted or designed." Ideally Mr Brisker would run a gallery here, but instead he has planted pieces of art throughout Wānaka venues such as Kai Whakapai, Patagonia and Cork. After spending a third of his life here, Brisker still has a fascination with rugby, but his observations are more artistic than sporting knowledge. "What I love is that they tape around people's ears, to stop themselves having cauliflower ears. I have never seen a sport like that, that's the only protection they have, everything else is a T-shirt and shorts. "Nothing like the American footballers, they are covered head to toe in armour."
USA Today
26-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Jaquan Brisker reacts to Bears' Day 2 picks in 2025 NFL draft
Jaquan Brisker reacts to Bears' Day 2 picks in 2025 NFL draft The Chicago Bears have been busy on Day 2 of the 2025 NFL draft, adding two offensive players in wide receiver Luther Burden III and offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo after making a trade with the Buffalo Bills to move back from 41st overall. After adding Burden and Trapilo, the Bears used their third second-round pick to select defensive tackle Shemar Turner out of Texas A&M. There was a big belief that Chicago would continue their focus on the trenches after rebuilding their offensive and defensive lines in free agency, and they did just that with two of their Day 2 picks. One of the team's key young players, safety Jaquan Brisker, has taken notice of the team's moves through two rounds and is beyond happy with what they've done. Brisker took to his official X (Twitter) account to express his love for the first four picks made by Chicago, which also includes tight end Colston Loveland who was taken 10th overall in the first round. "Loving the picks!" Brisker wrote. "Let's goooo! #DaBears" Brisker's joy is being felt throughout the Bears fanbase and organization, but general manager Ryan Poles still has work to do to close out the 2025 draft and complete the roster rebuild for new head coach Ben Johnson on Saturday, where Chicago currently has three selections -- Nos. 109 (fourth round), 148 (fifth round) and 233 (seventh round). Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
USA Today
16-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
2025 NFL draft preview: Where do Chicago Bears stand at safety?
2025 NFL draft preview: Where do Chicago Bears stand at safety? The Chicago Bears are in the middle of an important offseason, where they're looking to develop into a contender under new head coach Ben Johnson. Following a busy free agency that included some big-name additions, including offensive linemen Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson and Drew Dalman, as well as defensive linemen Grady Jarrett and Dayo Odeyingbo, the Bears are shifting their focus toward the 2025 NFL draft. Chicago has seven draft picks, even after their two trades, including four in the Top 75 -- 10th overall, a pair of high second rounders and a third-round selection. Here at Bears Wire, we're going position by position to break down where Chicago stands entering the 2025 NFL draft. Finishing up the defense is safety, a group that looks solidified for now, but has no one under contract beyond the 2025 season. Who's on the roster? Jaquan Brisker Kevin Byard Elijah Hicks Jonathan Owens Tarvarius Moore The entire Bears safety position group is back for the 2025 season, beginning with starters Jaquan Brisker and Kevin Byard. Brisker is finally healthy after missing the majority of the 2024 season with a concussion. Before he went out, the versatile safety was playing some of the best football of his career. Entering the final year of his rookie deal, Brisker faces a pivotal season that will determine his future with the team. Byard, meanwhile, was brought in last offseason as a steady veteran and proved to be a shrewd signing. He led the team in tackles and instantly made an impact as a team captain. Behind those two are veterans Jonathan Owens and Elijah Hicks. Owens, like Byard, signed a two-year contract as a core special teams player but saw more playing time in the secondary due to Brisker's injury. The same goes for Hicks, who took a significant step in Year 3 while filling in. Hicks started seven games, while Owens started five. Tarvarius Moore re-signed as a depth player this offseason. Who departed this offseason? Adrian Colbert The Bears' lone departure only played a handful of games for them in 2024. Veteran Adrian Colbert, one of the breakout stars from "Hard Knocks" last summer, just missed making the active roster prior to the start of the season but was brought back due to injuries. He played in five games and remains a free agent. Positional need: Moderate If everyone is healthy, the Bears current safety group can get the job done in 2025. The problem is it's difficult to count on Brisker's health at the moment, and every safety is slated to hit free agency next offseason. Despite Brisker's talent, his future is up in the air due to injury concerns. He has suffered multiple concussions in the NFL, and missing the final 12 games of the year due to one is cause for alarm. It's a similar situation that Teven Jenkins found himself in last year, and he wound up leaving in free agency. Byard's in his early 30s, and while he's extremely durable, his best football is behind him. The Bears would be wise to target a safety in the middle rounds to develop for the future because this group won't be around for too long. Top draft prospects Malaki Starks, Georgia Xavier Watts, Notre Dame Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina Kevin Winston Jr., Penn State Andrew Mukuba, Texas With their first-round pick, the Bears have several options, but they are unlikely to prioritize safety. Georgia's Malaki Starks is at the top of many draft boards thanks to his versatility and ability to disrupt deep passing patterns in the SEC. Notre Dame's Xavier Watts is another name that could go relatively early. The Fighting Irish have churned out some impressive defensive backs in recent years, and Watts shined throughout the College Football Playoff. The Bears could also look to Brisker's alma mater, Penn State, for a couple of options. Kevin Winston Jr. is an intriguing Day 2 possibility and would fit Dennis Allen's system, while Jaylen Reed might be available when the Bears select on Day 3.
