Chicago Bears cornerback Nahshon Wright delivered a poignant performance on Sunday, playing through grief following the death of his former coach and mentor John Beam, a notable figure from the Netflix documentary series Last Chance U. Beam was shot and killed on Friday, leaving Wright and the football community mourning the loss of a man who played a significant role in his development.
A Heavy Heart on the Field
Wright took to the field for the Bears with an emotional weight that extended beyond the typical pressures of an NFL game. The cornerback, who has become an integral part of Chicago's defensive secondary, channeled his grief into his performance, demonstrating the resilience and character that Beam likely instilled in him during their time together.
The Impact of John Beam
John Beam represented more than just a coaching figure in Wright's life—he was a
"father figure" to the young defensive back. Beam's prominence in
Last Chance U, the acclaimed documentary series that follows college football players navigating their paths to the NFL, made him a recognizable name in football circles. His tragic death sent shockwaves through the community of players he had mentored and influenced throughout his career.
Wright's Journey to the NFL
Wright's path to professional football began when the
Dallas Cowboys selected him in the 2022 NFL Draft as a defensive back from Oregon State. After his time with Dallas, he has since found a home with the Chicago Bears, where he continues to develop as a cornerstone of their secondary. The Bears' recent moves to retain key defensive talent, including Wright, signal the organization's confidence in building a competitive roster.
Looking Forward
As Wright processes his loss while maintaining his professional responsibilities, his story serves as a reminder of the human element behind the statistics and highlights. The support from his teammates and the Bears organization will likely be crucial as he navigates this difficult period while continuing to perform at the highest level of professional football.
**
1.
Sports Illustrated - Nahshon Wright Tribute to John Beam2.
Dallas Cowboys 2022 NFL Draft Coverage3.
FOX 32 Chicago - Bears News
Sources
1. The Chicago Bears Re-Signing Kevin Byard & Nahshon Wright After ...
2. Dallas Cowboys Open Rookie Minicamp, Sign 4 NFL Draft Picks
3. Sports Illustrated
4. FOX 32 Chicago | Local News, Weather, and Live Streams | WFLD
5. Dissecting a ranking of the Dallas Cowboys' current 85-man roster
