Chicago Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson has heard it all and been down a rough road going back to last year’s loss against the Washington Commanders, when he was involved in the final “Fail Mary” play.
Stevenson made headlines for all the wrong reasons when he was captured talking to the crowd in Washington and then tipped the ball back into the waiting hands of receiver Noah Brown, handing the Bears a devastating loss. The aftermath for both Stevenson and the Bears were brutal last season, as the loss to Washington kickstarted a 10-game losing streak for Chicago, and Stevenson was benched for the first half of the following game, receiving plenty of criticism.
This week, Stevenson discussed how much the play still haunts him, even saying it’s a play he’s going to have to explain to his son in the future.
“It still hurts because at the end of the day, I’m a football player,” Stevenson said, via CHGO, Wednesday. “The last thing I want to do is have a play that’s not so good and my name be memorable on top of all the good things I do, that could overshadow that. I just use it as motivation to come out and stay focused on all tasks, and definitely learned until the clock hit double zeroes.
“Just using that as a learning curve to mature and be the cornerback that this team needs. It was harsh, it hurt my feelings, that’s the best way I can explain it. Being a football player and having one of those mistakes that’s going to linger around, even when my son grows up, I’m going to have to explain that to him, but I just use it as fuel.”
Stevenson will have the ultimate chance at redemption against the Commanders on Monday Night Football, and so will the Bears. Erasing the memories of their 2024 matchup, by showcasing the growth and changes the team has made, could be a big step forward in the right direction and would mark Chicago’s third straight win.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears CB Tyrique Stevenson says he’ll have to explain ‘Fail Mary’ to his son
Reporting by Mike Pendleton, Bears Wire / Bears Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
