Concussions have been one of the defining aspects of Jaquan Brisker‘s NFL career to date. The fourth-year Bears safety has recovered from his latest one, and he has not given thought to retirement. 
Brisker is committed to resuming his career in 2025. The coming campaign will be key for team and player in this case. Chicago’s secondary is aiming for a rebound compared to its performance last season, while the 26-year-old is a pending 2026 free agent. No changes in playing style are being planned by Brisker either.
“No, I’m not,” the Penn State product said while speaking to the media when asked if was giving thought to retirement or focusing on his concussion history (via 670 The Score). “I’m not. I’m good. I’m past that point. I’m really moving on. I’m just focused on playing ball. I’m going to continue to play the same way.”
Brisker has served as a full-time starter throughout his time with the Bears. He has missed time every season due to a concussion, though, and in 2024 he was only available for five games. A healthy slate from the former second-rounder would be crucial to Chicago’s defense while also making it easier to commit to him beyond the coming campaign. Brisker topped 100 tackles during his first two seasons, and he has amassed three interceptions and 13 pass deflections to date.
A trend of missed time through injury – particularly concussions – often gives teams pause when they contemplate re-signing or extending players. Brisker has made it clear his long-term brain health is not seen as a concern at this point, however, so he should be able to play his way into a lucrative second contract with a strong season in 2025. His ability to remain available for a full campaign will be an interesting storyline to follow.
Any writer that can mention brain health and the Bears in the same article has the kind of sense of humor I can appreciate 🙂
Jaquan is a pleasure to watch play, but I feel like he is going to end up killing himself on the field if he doesn’t simmer a little.
Yeah he’s great those 3 games a year he plays before he tries to bludgeon someone with his helmet and knocks himself silly trying to be on Sports Center. Maybe he should just try tackling the guy and see if that works out better for him. Bears would be fools to pick up his 5th year option. Drafting a safety should be high on the draft list next year if not 1st on the list between him and Byard.
Bears need him to be healthy but you’re right, safety will be a priority. Best ability is availability
I like Jonathon Owens but that fool Eberlose loved Hicks who I can’t stand. I think if worse comes to worst and next year Byard and Brisker move on, Then the Bears can draft one and move Kyler Gordon to FS where his ball skills would play. If Hippolyte turns out to be as good in coverage as they say he is then maybe we don’t need Gordon at the nickel or Smith or Blackwood or even Frazier can step up. Don’t know much about McCloud. Pre season should be interesting.
He wasn’t a 1st round pick. There’s isn’t a 5th year option to pick up
Thanks, My bad. You’re right. Makes that easier.