Bears safety Jaquan Brisker revealed he believed he would return “multiple times” last year
Chicago Bears safety Jaquan Brisker has revealed the profound mental and emotional toll of his lengthy absence from the field in 2023 due to a vestibular concussion, admitting he believed he would return “multiple times” during a frustrating period that saw him sidelined for 12 games. His candid remarks shed light on the arduous recovery process and the challenges of being away from the game he loves.
Brisker, a highly impactful and physical safety for the Bears, suffered the concussion in Week 5 against the Carolina Panthers. While he finished that particular game, he reported symptoms the following day and entered the NFL’s stringent concussion protocol. What was initially hoped to be a short-term absence stretched into months, ultimately ending his season prematurely.
“It was hard,” Brisker stated in his first public comments since the injury. “It was hard being away from football, especially week to week, you know. It was kind of getting sad and depressing, things like that. But got over it, it’s time to move on and I’m back now.” This sentiment underscores the profound psychological impact an extended injury can have on professional athletes, particularly those who thrive on the intensity and camaraderie of competitive play.
The nature of Brisker’s injury, a vestibular concussion, presented unique challenges. This type of concussion affects the vestibular system, which is responsible for balance and spatial orientation, often leading to symptoms like dizziness and vertigo. To overcome this, Brisker underwent specialized physical therapy at the University of Pittsburgh’s Sports Medicine Concussion Program. He detailed the exercises he had to perform, such as “side to side movement” and “tennis ball catching,” aimed at retraining his nervous system to improve eye tracking and body movement.
The repeated false dawns of a potential return were particularly frustrating for Brisker. He expressed his strong desire to be back with his teammates, especially as the Bears navigated the challenges of their 2023 campaign. “I wanted to be out there bad, like super bad. And I just couldn’t,” he recounted, adding that watching games from home with his parents was particularly difficult. “I was going crazy, probably made it worse… Yeah, it was hard. I wanted to be out there. Especially if I’m not out there, I want to be with my teammates or around them seeing or hearing them talk or whatever, trying to communicate. All of that stuff was hard.”
Despite the severity of his injury and the fact that it was his third concussion in as many NFL seasons, Brisker vehemently denied considering retirement. He emphasized that neither he nor his immediate family, whose opinions he deeply values, ever broached the topic. His resolve remained unwavering, fueled by a deep-seated passion for the game and a belief in his own physical and mental resilience.
Brisker credited his teammates, particularly veterans like Montez Sweat and Kevin Byard, for helping him cope with the stress and frustration of his injury. Their support, including encouraging him to utilize resources like the hyperbaric chamber and simply offering words of reassurance, played a crucial role in his mental well-being during his rehabilitation.
Now, as the Bears enter a new season, Brisker is reportedly healthy and fully cleared for football activities. He has been a full participant in the team’s offseason programs, including OTAs and minicamp, demonstrating a clear readiness to return to his hard-hitting, playmaking style. He explicitly stated that he has no intention of changing his aggressive approach to the game. “I want to hit right now,” Brisker declared with characteristic swagger. “I’m going to play at full speed. I’m going to be a playmaker. Nothing really changes, it’s just I’m gonna be stronger, I’m gonna be a lot more mentally focused. My mind is really like probably like five or six years new or whatever the doctor said. I did so much work. So I’m really past it, like I’m really moving on.”
Brisker’s importance to the Bears’ defense cannot be overstated. In his first two seasons, he consistently surpassed 100 tackles and established himself as a physical presence and vocal leader in the secondary. The team’s defensive performance noticeably suffered in his absence last year, highlighting his integral role. With him back in the fold, and under a new defensive coordinator in Dennis Allen, the Bears anticipate a significant boost to their backend.
This upcoming season is particularly critical for Brisker as he enters the final year of his rookie contract. Staying healthy will be paramount to proving his long-term value to the Bears and securing a lucrative second contract. Despite his injury history, general manager Ryan Poles has expressed confidence in Brisker, noting that his Week 5 concussion was “kind of an outlier” given Brisker’s efforts to protect his head during the tackle.
Brisker’s journey back to the field is a testament to his determination and the comprehensive support system he utilized. His experience highlights the complexities of concussion recovery and the profound impact these injuries can have beyond the physical realm. As he looks to put the challenges of 2023 behind him, Jaquan Brisker is clearly motivated to re-establish himself as a dominant force in the NFL and lead the Bears’ defense to new heights.
