STWF Sports|Nov. 16,2025 – Chicago Bears cornerback Nahshon Wright delivered one of the most powerful moments of the 2025 NFL season on Sunday — and it had little to do with the scoreboard.

In the second quarter of the Bears’ dramatic 19–17 victory over the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium, Wright intercepted rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy in the end zone, preventing what looked like a certain touchdown to wide receiver Jordan Addison. But instead of celebrating the takeaway, Wright dropped to one knee, lowered his head, and wept.

His tears were not the tears of victory. They were the tears of grief.

Just two days earlier, Wright learned that his former Laney College coach — and Last Chance U icon — John Beam had been tragically shot and killed at the age of 66. The loss hit Wright deeply, and in the raw, emotional aftermath of the interception, football briefly faded into the background.

A Moment Bigger Than Football

As the 27-year-old knelt in the purple end zone turf, several Chicago teammates rushed to him, placing hands on his shoulders and offering comfort. Bears defensive backs coach Al Harris later embraced him on the sideline, whispering words of support.

The broadcast cut to Wright wiping his eyes beneath his helmet — a rare moment of vulnerability on an NFL field, but one that reflected the weight of the week he endured.

For Wright, the interception was a tribute.

It was a moment for John Beam.

A Bond Forged at Laney College

Before Wright became a third-round pick of the Dallas Cowboys in 2021 or a key piece of Chicago’s secondary, he was a raw, hungry prospect at Laney College, where John Beam served as head coach and mentor. In 2018, Beam guided Wright through one of the most defining years of his young life, helping lead Laney to a state championship.

Their relationship transcended the field. When Wright’s father was shot and killed, Beam showed up at his doorstep, lifting Wright and his younger brother out of bed and pushing them toward a better future.

Wright expressed his heartbreak publicly on X after Beam’s death:

“My heart aches so much right now. Beam is the most down to earth person I’ve ever met… I’m glad I was able to speak with you one last time before this happened… I’ll love and miss you forever. Love you Beam💔.”

The post garnered thousands of responses, and on Sunday, fans watched as Wright honored Beam in the most fitting way possible — by making a game-changing play.

A Season of Growth for Wright

Wright’s interception — his fourth in 10 games this season — was also his second pick against his former team, the Vikings. At 6-foot-5, Wright’s rare length and athleticism have made him a major breakout performer in Chicago’s revamped secondary.

But Sunday’s takeaway felt different, imbued with meaning, emotion, and purpose. Fans across social media took notice:

• “Absolutely heartwarming… Some things are bigger than football ❤️ RIP John Beam.”

• “No doubt Coach Beam saw that and smiled.”

• “First thought I had when I saw it — he’s playing with Coach Beam’s spirit today.”

The play didn’t just save a touchdown — it became one of the defining human moments of the NFL weekend.

Vikings’ Frustrations Boil Over

While Wright seized the emotional spotlight, frustration mounted on the Vikings sideline. Minnesota trailed 16–3 entering the fourth quarter, and star receiver Justin Jefferson was visibly upset as boos rained down from the home crowd. Miscommunication with McCarthy, mounting errors, and persistent Bears pressure continued to chip away at Minnesota’s composure.

Despite a late rally, the Vikings fell short — while Chicago secured one of its most hard-fought, meaningful wins of the season.

A Win Dedicated to a Mentor

As the Bears celebrated and Wright walked off the field with teammates flanking him, it was clear: this victory belonged as much to John Beam as it did to Chicago.

Wright honored his beloved mentor with the kind of effort and emotion that defined their bond — a reminder that football is more than a game, and that some legacies live on through the players they shaped.

For Nahshon Wright, Sunday’s interception was not just a defensive highlight.
It was a farewell.
A tribute.
A way to say thank you.