In case you missed it, Chicago Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson was the most recent guest on Kevin Byard’s podcast. Throughout the episode, he opened up about his mental health battles both on and off the field. Stevenson addressed his own development following a down 2022 season. He really drove home that the lessons that he’s learned through his football career apply to all aspects of life.
Since Week 8 of the 2024 NFL season, Stevenson has experienced significant changes in his life with the birth of his son, Tyrique Jr. Even he, at this monumental milestone, has had his mind changed, particularly after suffering through an unimaginably agonizing loss to the Washington Commanders. The Bears fell 18-15 in a game that left fans and players alike disheartened, particularly given the team’s struggles post-bye week. The Bears have had a history of coming off bye weeks, going only 2-10 since 2013.
On one of his deeper attempts against Washington, Stevenson put himself in a lost cause. While joking with supporters at Northwest Memorial Stadium, he mistimed a pass and tipped it. That error ultimately landed in the lap of Commanders’ wide receiver Noah Brown, who juked his way to a swaggering game-winning TD.
I put a bad play on film. For their own selves, the best thing they could do was wrap their arms around me. When I was feeling seasick, they calmed me by telling me, “We got you. That’s what these kids demonstrated to me every single day last year,” Stevenson recalled, looking back at the support of his teammates in the aftermath of the incident. Fellow Bears players have been extremely clear that this mistake isn’t indicative of who Stevenson is as a player or person.
In the wake of the loss, Stevenson owned the play in a players-only meeting, vowing to do better. “The best thing I can do is come out here and show these 10 guys I’m locked in and ready to go,” he stated. His fierce loyalty to his teammates really pops off the screen. Even Kyler Gordon admitted that once that happened, “it was over,” highlighting the togetherness in that locker room.
Stevenson, who turns 26 on Nov. 28, is bracing himself for even more fan scrutiny as he readies to return to action. “Going back to a hostile environment, they’re going to do their best job to rattle me as much as they can,” he acknowledged. Nevertheless, Stevenson remains resolute in his approach. He believes that each experience, whether positive or negative, contributes to his growth both as a player and as an individual.
The Bears underwent massive upheaval this off-season, coming off a season that saw their coach fired. They dismissed Coach Matt Eberflus and offensive coordinator Shane Waldron during a ten-game losing streak. Even amidst these challenges, Stevenson remains undeterred, claiming that among his teammates, he still has their support. “I need to know that my teammates are gonna support me,” he said, emphasizing how the power of brotherhood helps them all fight through the tough times.
As Stevenson gets ready for the next ones, smart lessons learned probably will stay indelibly impressed on his mind. He really loves the fun, playfulness and adventure of being a new dad. He wants to use what he’s learned as a vehicle to make him a great player and example to those around him.
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