Latest news with #Brisker
USA Today
7 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Bears safety Jaquan Brisker wants to be Swiss Army knife for Dennis Allen
Chicago Bears safety Jaquan Brisker, who's returning to the field after a 12-game absence, will have a new defensive coordinator in veteran Dennis Allen, who has the potential to unlock the veteran safety in a contract year. Brisker and Allen should mesh well together with the young safety's energetic and tough-nose style of play, complementing a coach who's intense with no nonsense and gets production out of his players. Last month, Brisker discussed his new defensive coordinator and how he feels he will fit in the new system. Looking to become Allen's Swiss Army Knife and show his ability to move around throughout the defense, Brisker shared excitement for what his possibilities could be in the new-look Bears defense. "(I want to) show my versatility," Brisker said. "Show that I'm a Swiss Army Knife. KB (Kevin Byard), and we're going to have plenty of other DBs out there, which I love about (Allen's) defense. He moves pieces around, we run so many different things, and we can make it all look the same, or vice versa, things like that, that's what I love about it. DA, he's smart. I know that he is going to put us in the right positions. It's going to be smooth." Being able to move around should not only display Brisker's level of talent but should also give opportunities for Allen to create unique looks on defense, and give more playing time for others in the secondary. It'll be interesting to see just how good Brisker can be alongside veteran Kevin Byard at safety, and as long as he can stay healthy, the pairing between coach and player could be one of the biggest keys for the team's defense this year. There are understandable concerns about Brisker's health after suffering his third concussion in as many seasons, but aligning him with Allen could take his talent and career to an even higher level. Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
USA Today
09-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
30 Most Important Bears of 2025: Kevin Byard (No. 21)
The Chicago Bears are gearing up for an exciting 2025 NFL season, which features some new faces within the organization poised to get the franchise back to its winning ways. That starts with the hiring of Ben Johnson as head coach, as well as overhauling the interior offensive line, adding pieces on defense and a potenital impactful rookie draft class. Every day from now right up through training camp, we're counting down our 30 Most Important Bears for the 2025 season. We'll recap their 2024 season, look ahead to 2025 and tackle the biggest question facing them this year. Next up at No. 21 is safety Kevin Byard, who will once again serve as a key leader and contributor on defense. Background Position: Safety Age: 31 Experience: 10th season 2025 cap hit: $8.5 million 2024 recap The Bears signed Kevin Byard to a two-year, $15 million contract last offseason to serve as a 1-2 punch at safety alongside Jaquan Brisker. In his first season in Chicago, Byard, a two-time All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowler, proved to be a valuable contributor and leader in a young secondary as things spiraled out of control under former head coach Matt Eberflus amid a 10-game losing streak. Byard was one of the more reliable members of the defense, posting a career-high 130 total tackles, becoming the first Bears defensive back to lead the team in tackles since 2014. He also tied a career-high 2.0 sacks and made plays be it through forcing takeaways, recovering turnovers and breaking up passes. Byard also started every game in 2024, which was huge for this defense, especially with Brisker missing 12 games due to a concussion. 2025 outlook The Bears defense is welcoming some new faces to the roster -- and coaching staff -- this season, but Byard will provide stability in a talented secondary looking to anchor this unit. Byard is coming off an encouraging first season with Chicago, where he played most of the year without Jaquan Brisker and aided by reserves Jonathan Owens and Elijah Hicks. Now, Byard is back with Brisker for the first year under new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, who's looking to instill a violent, aggressive mentality on defense. Byard's best ability was availability as he started every since game in 2024, which was sorely needed with Brisker missing 12 games. Outside of production, Byard will be relied on to once again serve as a veteran leader on this defense and team, a role that he thrived in amid chaos last season. The hope is this year will possess the stability lacking last season. Big Question: Does Kevin Byard have a future in Chicago? In just one season with Chicago, Byard proved himself to be a valuable asset for this defense, and that should only continue into his second year with Dennis Allen leading the defense. But Byard (along with his running mate Brisker) is entering a contract year, which raises questions about his future beyond 2025. Byard's caplet of $8.5 million is modest compared to some other big-name players on the roster. But if the Bears can find a viable option in the 2026 NFL draft (which is a long ways away), they could opt to let Byard hit the open market. With Byard's running mate Jaquan Brisker also in a contract year, that begs the question whether the Bears would consider both or either. The good news is, at least right now, there's no succession plan in place at safety, which could earn Byard another short-term deal in 2026. 30 Most Important Bears of 2025 Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
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."
