Latest news with #JaquanBrisker
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Bears' Jaquan Brisker details his journey back to football following his concussion
The road back to football has been a long one for Chicago Bears safety Jaquan Brisker. Eight months ago, the hard-hitting defensive back reported having concussion symptoms following a decisive 36-10 win over the Carolina Panthers. He missed the team's next game in London against the Jacksonville Jaguars, but the hope was that he would be back in no time. That concussion, Brisker's third in the NFL, wound up keeping him out of the final 12 games of the season, a fairly uncommon occurrence. Brisker spent months rehabbing to get back to a point where he could return to the field, which finally happened this spring during organized team activities (OTAs). Advertisement Now during mandatory minicamp, Brisker feels good with where he's at—probably due to the extensive rehab he was doing while recovering from his concussion. Brisker needed to retrain his nervous system following the injury, and it took a lot of work. The Bears safety spoke with the media following Wednesday's practice (his first media appearance since suffering the injury) and detailed what his doctors had him do to get his mind right. "I went to a doctor in Pittsburgh (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center), and he basically just explained the type of concussion I had and told me how to retrain it," Brisker said. "Really just doing exercises. That's really what I had to do, and then I did furthermore later on when I got to California." The tests focused on reactionary movements from Brisker. "Side-to-side movements. A lot of tennis ball catching and things like that, just trying to track my eyes, get my eyes moving around, get my body moving around fast, and things like that, just reacting," Brisker said when asked about what kind of tests he was going through. Advertisement Concussions can affect players differently, though Brisker isn't sure why this particular one kept him off the field for as long as it did. It was a serious issue, however, and many wondered if his playing career would need to be severely cut short. Thankfully, that wasn't the case. "I'm a Brisker. We're strong. I had people behind me, things like that. I dealt with so many more. things that were worse than that. This is just another bump in the road, to be honest. I just kept my head down, moving forward." Brisker undoubtedly wants to move forward and prepare for what will be a pivotal season for him as a pro. At the same time, though, it wouldn't be a bad thing if Brisker picked up where he left off from last year. Prior to the injury, the former second-round pick was on a tear for the Bears. Brisker had totaled 40 tackles, three for a loss, one sack, an interception, and a forced fumble in just five games. Had he stayed healthy, Brisker would have easily surpassed his previous NFL career high and shown he's on an upward trajectory in the league. That can still happen, even as he's entering the final year of his rookie contract while coming off injury. He can be a force in Dennis Allen's defensive scheme, and he doesn't feel any extra pressure with returning to the field. "Just stay healthy," he said when asked what he needs to prove in 2025. "I don't have to prove anything. When I was out there, I made plays. I go attack the ball, and I come down and hit; I come down and tackle, and I'm a leader. Really, I just have to be out there." Even though it's just practice, it seems Brisker's long road back has finally reached its destination. This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears' Jaquan Brisker details his journey back to football
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Bears' Jaquan Brisker has kept receipts from all critics
To say that the Chicago Bears had a miserable season last year would be an understatement, but safety Jaquan Brisker hasn't forgotten what was said. Brisker, one of the heart and soul leaders on the Bears, missed 12 games last season due to a concussion that eventually landed him on injured reserve. But he watched his team go on to lose 10 straight games en route to a 5-12 record and a mid-season head coach firing. Advertisement During minicamp, Brisker told the media that he's kept the receipts from all the critics last season, and he's looking to make them eat their words during the 2025 season. "Doubting the team, doubting me. Whatever it may be, I'm keeping all receipts," Brisker said. "Everybody who thought it was funny, or anybody who talks about us, it's whatever. We're ready for this year. I'm ready for this year. I'm back. Nine is back. I'm going to do what I do. People are going to say what they want. Critics are going to say whatever. But, I'm here." Those critics include Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, who called the Bears trash (while also giving them a backhanded compliment for their offseason improvements). Still, Brisker made it clear he has that Week 3 game against the Cowboys circled on his calendar. Brisker has confirmed he's healthy coming into the 2025 season, and he's not short of confidence or focus. One of the core pieces of the Bears defense is making it a point of emphasis to make the critics eat their words as Chicago looks to go from worst to first (or at least contenders) in head coach Ben Johnson's first season. Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears' Jaquan Brisker has kept receipts from all critics
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.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
The Bear's Den, June 5, 2025
WE WANT YOU! Would you like to show your Chicago Bears spirit to the world? I'm starting a feature where Windy City Gridiron readers can share pictures of themselves and their families and friends in Bears attire. Simply email a picture to me at the following address: denmasterken at aol dot com. The pictures need to be clear, and full resolution (i.e. full size from your phone if that's how you take them). Include any description information you like along with the photo! Advertisement THE DAILY SPONGIE SPECIAL DENMASTER KEN'S VIDEO GRAB BAG BEARRRSSSS Column: Chicago Bears' Jaquan Brisker moving on from concussions - Chicago Tribune - Chicago Bears safety Jaquan Brisker said he feels good and is eager to prove he can remain healthy after a concussion cost him 12 games last season. Tyrique Stevenson only too eager to leave Hail Mary talk behind - SI - A different defensive scheme and new DBs coach occupy Tyrique Stevenson's mind these days rather than the memory of last year's major gaffe in pass coverage. Caleb Williams validates Ben Johnson's expectations at Chicago Bears minicamp - SI - Caleb Williams had his best practice of the offseason Wednesday, confirming much of what coach Ben Johnson expected from his star quarterback. Advertisement Bears minicamp observations: Best Caleb Williams practice yet? - SI - Chicago Bears coach Ben Johnson found flaws in his QB's performance but admitted the second minicamp practice in a light rain was one where improvement was apparent. Bears' Stevenson puts Hail Mary lapse in past: 'I owned it' - 670 - Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson may forever be associated with his decision-making lapse in Chicago's last-second loss to Washington on a Hail Mary last October. POLISH SAUSAGE Browns are happy to potentially get $600 million in state money for new stadium - NBC Sports - The proprietors of the Factory of Sadness are happy with progress they're making toward building a new one. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT ON WINDY CITY GRIDIRON Chicago Bears have 94-yard TD drive in 2 minute drill - Windy City Gridiron - The defense has been getting the best of the offense, but perhaps today they turned a corner. Advertisement Does WR Tyler Scott have a spot on the 2025 Chicago Bears? - Windy City Gridiron - Scott will have to battle for a roster spot this training camp. WCG's 2025 NFC North player rankings: Nos. 41-50 - Windy City Gridiron - In the first article of a five-part roundtable series, the WCG staff ranks the top 50 players in the NFC North heading into 2025. Identifying The NFL's Five Most Improved Teams - Windy City Gridiron - With the bulk of the NFL's acquisition period behind us, it's time to take a deeper dive into the five most improved teams through yet another busy offseason Who is your favorite defensive lineman in Chicago Bears history? - Windy City Gridiron - There's no shortage of options on this question! Advertisement SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE PAGE 2nd City Gridiron is our video home! So hit the link and help us grow that brand! THE RULES Windy City Gridiron Community Guidelines - - We strive to make our communities open and inclusive to sports fans of all backgrounds. The following are not permitted in comments. No personal attacks, politics, gender-based insults of any kind, racial insults, etc. 2nd City Gridiron Podcast Channel which includes Bears Banter hosted by Bill Zimmerman, Bear & Balanced from Jeff Berckes and Lester A. Wiltfong Jr., Bears Over Beers featuring a rotating host line-up of Ryan Droste, Khari Thompson, Jacob Infante, and Bryan Orenchuk, Making Monsters with Taylor Doll, Bear Bones from Dr. Mason West, and an occasional T Formation Conversation from Lester; Steven's Streaming Twitch Channel from Steven Schweickert is another fun one. Advertisement Powered by RedCircle Click on our names to follow us on Twitter: Jeff Berckes; Dr. Patti Curl; Ryan Droste; Eric Christopher Duerrwaechter; Dan Durkin; Taylor Doll; Kev H; Sam Householder; Jacob Infante; Aaron Lemming; Dr. Ken Mitchell; Danny Meehan; Bryan Orenchuk; Jack R Salo; Khari Thompson; Steven Schweickert; Jack Silverstein; Lester Wiltfong, Jr.; T.J. Starman; Khari Thompson; Dr. Mason West; Bill Zimmerman; 2nd City Gridiron; Like WCG on Facebook; Like 2nd City Gridiron on Facebook. A few of us are also over at Bluesky. More from
CBS News
05-06-2025
- Sport
- CBS News
Jaquan Brisker glad to be back practicing with Bears after recovering from concussion
The Bears held their second day of mandatory minicamp at Halas Hall on Tuesday, and Pro Bowler Jaylon Johnson was among the two excused absences. But the return to active duty of another defensive back, Jaquan Brisker, was a welcome sight. Brisker said it felt great to be back on the football field. The Bears safety missed the final 11 games last season because of a concussion. "It was hard, you know, being away from football — especially week to week. You know, it was kind of, you know, getting sad, depressing, things like that, Brisker said. "But you know, got over it. It's time to move on, and I'm back now." Getting over it was not easy for Brisker. He said because of the type of concussion he had, he basically had to retrain his nervous system — doing a lot of side-to-side movements and getting his eyes moving around. This was also his third diagnosed concussion in three seasons, but Brisker says there was no talk about retiring. No, not with no one — especially not myself, not with my parents," Brisker said. "I feel like if my parents, you know, say something, it's deep. So if it didn't come from them, or come from me, I didn't hear it, to be honest." Brisker said he was not worried about himself. "No, I'm not. I'm good. I'm past that point. I'm really moving on, so I'm just focused on playing ball," he said. "I'm really clear, man. I'm really good." Brisker said his teammates, especially Montez Sweat, helped him through the toughest times last season. He added that this is just another bump in the road, and now No. 9 is back and on the field to make plays.
