The Chicago Bears haven’t had a lot of positives over the past two seasons but one of them has been the play of safety Jaquan Brisker. The Bears’ second-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Brisker has been a steady player in the secondary, logging PFF grades of 67.0 and 66.7 in his first two seasons in the league.
But while Brisker has established himself, he hit a speed bump last year. The 25-year-old was limited to five games after suffering a concussion against the Carolina Panthers last October and spent the final three months of the season in the NFL’s concussion protocol. The injury sent Brisker’s future with the Bears into doubt. But it also caused him to send a message to Bears fans entering the final year of his rookie contract.
Bears Safety Jaquon Brisker Vows to Return ‘Better Than Ever’
Brisker made the statement on his Instagram account where he thanked Bears fans for his support. While he also wished he could have helped the team later in the season, he also vowed to return better than ever as he looks to help Chicago rebound in 2025.
“I promise to come back better than ever!” Brisker wrote. “Your unwavering support means everything to me in these challenging times. From the heart, I appreciate each and every one of my fans, your prayers, and your messages. We didn’t finish string and I say it’s all my fault…I wish I could have fought along my team to WIN – that’s my true passion and purpose. I will rise from this and comeback and take what’s mine! Year 4 will be special; it will be a testament to our strength and resilience. Until I return, remember: there are No Comparisons.”
Brisker’s absence coincided with the Bears' downfall last season. Chicago started the season with a 4-2 record and the Penn State product was off to a good start with 40 tackles, an interception, a forced fumble, and two pass breakups in the first five games. But things went off the rails when the team returned from its bye week, losing 10 straight games before winning the season finale against the Green Bay Packers.
To make matters worse, it was Brisker’s third concussion in the past three seasons, prompting former Bears interim coach Thomas Brown to express his concern last January.
“My conversation has been more about him as a person,” Brown said. “It’s not anything injury related, just conversations back and forth in the hallway when I see him.”
Brisker has played in 35 of a possible 51 games since joining the Bears and his injury history may make Chicago think twice before giving him a second contract. While he’s become a solid player, he has to stay on the field to validate his worth, making 2025 a big year for the fourth-year safety.