Chicago Bears Tyrique Stevenson Opens Up About Viral Hail Mary Moment Last Season
In the NFL, a single play can define a season, a career, or a player’s entire narrative. For Chicago Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson, one infamous play during the 2024 season against the Washington Commanders became a defining, albeit painful, moment. As the two teams prepare to face each other again on Monday Night Football, Stevenson’s reflections on that lapse in judgment, and his subsequent growth, have taken center stage. This isn’t just another game; for Stevenson, it’s a chance at redemption and a demonstration of how a low point can forge a stronger professional.
Chicago Bears Tyrique Stevenson: The Play That Derailed a Season
To understand the weight of the upcoming game, one must revisit Week 8 of the 2024 season. The Bears, with a promising 4-2 record, were coming off a bye week and facing the Commanders in a primetime matchup. The game was a back-and-forth thriller. With seconds left on the clock, Bears quarterback Caleb Williams led a go-ahead scoring drive. It seemed like a signature win was in hand.
Washington, however, had one final, desperate chance: a Hail Mary. As Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels launched the ball toward the end zone, chaos ensued. But the chaos wasn’t just in the air; it was on the sideline. In a moment of premature celebration, Tyrique Stevenson was captured on camera turning his back to the play to taunt the crowd. This momentary lapse left him out of position. The ball was caught, the Commanders scored, and the Bears lost in spectacular fashion.
That play became a turning point. It was the start of a downward slide for the Bears, and Stevenson bore the brunt of the criticism. He was vilified by fans and analysts for his lack of focus in the most critical moment of the game.
Owning the Mistake: Stevenson’s Reflections
A year later, the memory of that play still lingers. In a recent appearance on the “Intercepted w/Kevin Byard” podcast, Stevenson opened up about the incident, providing a raw and honest assessment of his mindset at the time and how it has shaped him since.
“It still hurt,” Stevenson admitted. “Just to see people try to define who I am off one play, one game, out of the other 30 starts I had. But, at the end of the day, I gotta take it. Honestly, I wear it. That’s not who I am but, that’s who I showed I am and actions speak louder than words.”
His words reveal a maturity that has been forged in the fire of public scrutiny. Rather than making excuses, he took full ownership of the mistake. He acknowledged that in that moment, he lost the trust of his teammates and coaches, a loss that was reflected in the following weeks when his playing time was reduced as he rotated with another cornerback.
“I think that’s the first time in my career I ever let the game be bigger than what it is… I think that right there was a selfish moment and I think just karma,” he reflected. Stevenson also made it clear that he doesn’t run from the memory. “I see the video, I watch it. Because at the end of the day, I want that to be a memory in my head of what not to do.”
This level of accountability is precisely what coaches and fans want to see from a young player. He has turned his lowest professional moment into a permanent lesson, a constant reminder of the focus and discipline required to succeed in the NFL.
Growth on the Field: A Cornerback on the Rise
Talk is cheap, but Stevenson has backed up his words with his play on the field in 2025. Heading into this season, the Bears needed him to elevate his game, a need that became even more critical when star cornerback Jaylon Johnson was placed on injured reserve before training camp. Stevenson was thrust into the role of the team’s top cornerback, a position that comes with immense pressure.
While he has faced some tough matchups, he has steadily improved and is beginning to stack together strong performances. His progress has not gone unnoticed by the new coaching staff.
“I thought this was his best game to date,” head coach Ben Johnson said following Stevenson’s Week 4 performance. “Certainly, I think the confidence level is rising. He knows what he is capable of as a player… I think he can be a complete corner in this league: man, zone, come up and tackle in the run game when called upon.”
This support from the coaching staff and his veteran teammates has been instrumental in his development. Veteran safety Kevin Byard has also been a vocal supporter.
“I know he’s had his ups and downs in the past three years. But he’s a big-time talent and just myself as a leader, I am always making sure I am reminding him how talented he is,” Byard said. “As long as he stays locked in with his technique and fundamentals, he can be one of the better cornerbacks in this league.”
The Rematch: A Chance for a New Narrative
Now, the stage is set for a full-circle moment. This game offers a unique opportunity for redemption. It’s the same opponent, the same Monday Night Football stage, and the same post-bye week timing. It’s a chance for Stevenson to not just put the demons of that Hail Mary to rest but to showcase the player he has become in the year since.
This game is more than just another box on the schedule. It is a testament to Stevenson’s resilience and character. He faced intense public criticism, took accountability for his actions, earned back the trust of his team, and has emerged as a better, more focused player. A strong performance against the Commanders would be the perfect way to close this chapter and start writing a new narrative—one defined not by a single mistake, but by professional growth and on-field excellence.
