Chicago Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson. Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

Bears player apologizes for inexcusable Hail Mary mistake

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Steve DelVecchio | Last updated Oct 28, 2024 2:53 PM ET

Chicago Bears defensive back Tyrique Stevenson made an inexcusable blunder at the end of his team’s loss to the Washington Commanders on Sunday, and he has since apologized both publicly and privately.

The Bears scored a touchdown to take a 15-12 lead over the Commanders with just 25 seconds remaining. Washington drove to its own 48 on the ensuing drive and had time for one final play. Jayden Daniels then completed a Hail Mary touchdown pass to Noah Brown for an incredible walk-off win.

Following the miraculous finish, a video surfaced that showed Stevenson was off to the side taunting Commanders fans on the final play well after the ball had been snapped. Stevenson took to social media to apologize after the game.

“To Chicago and teammates my apologies for lack of awareness and focus…The game ain’t over until zeros hit the clock. Can’t take anything for granted. Notes taken, improvement will happen,” Stevenson wrote on X.

To Chicago and teammates my apologies for lack of awareness and focus …. The game ain’t over until zeros hit the clock. Can’t take anything for granted. Notes taken, improvement will happen. #Beardown

— Tyrique Stevenson (@dreamchaserTy10) October 28, 2024

Bears head coach Matt Eberflus revealed on Monday that Stevenson also held himself accountable with his teammates and coaches. Stevenson confirmed that he addressed the team in a meeting on Monday morning.

“I apologized for letting them down. I let the moment get too big,” Stevenson said Monday. “It’s something that can’t ever happen again and wont happen again.”

#Bears CB Tyrique Stevenson on what he said to the team this morning:

"I apologized for letting them down. I let the moment get too big.. It's something that can't ever happen again and wont happen again."

He also said he'd take whatever discipline Bears hand out on the chin.

— Dave (@dave_bfr) October 28, 2024

Stevenson lost focus at the worst time and the Bears paid the price. His teammates were probably unhappy with him, but accountability is the best way to move forward.

The Bears are having a good season and fell to 4-3 with their loss to Washington. They need to quickly put the Hail Mary behind them to prepare for a tough Week 9 road game against the Arizona Cardinals.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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