Chicago Bears defensive back Tyrique Stevenson sensationally left practice prematurely after learning of his demotion following his error in the game-losing Hail Mary versus the Washington Commanders.
Last week, Stevenson was forced to issue a sincere apology for taunting Commanders fans during the final play of the 18-15 loss. In a now-viral clip, Stevenson can be seen clashing with crowd members as the ball is snapped, with the cornerback only realizing that the ball was live once Commanders wide receivers were already downfield.
With no time remaining, Washington rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels danced around the pocket and hurled a 52-yard prayer toward the end zone. Stevenson managed to get a hand on the ball, which was tipped in the air and into the arms of wide receiver Noah Brown for the touchdown.
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All-22 footage appears to confirm that Stevenson’s role had been to stick with Brown throughout the Hail Mary play. Instead, the cornerback looked to play the ball instead of his man, making it possible for the wideout to make the catch.
Stevenson’s antics during the game-winning Hail Mary drew the ire of many, particularly after Bears head coach Matt Eberflus confirmed he was assigned to box out Brown on the final play. Stevenson’s punishment is a one-week demotion, as he will not start in the Bears’ road game versus the Arizona Cardinals.
According to a report on the ‘NFL on FOX’ pregame show, Stevenson decided to pull himself out of practice upon hearing the news on Wednesday, which was not well received by the Bears. Stevenson is still expected to be active and feature, switching with cornerback Terell Smith off the bench.
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Tyrique Stevenson deflected Jayden Daniels’ Hail Mary into Noah Brown’s hands (
Getty)
After the frustrating ending to the Commanders clash, Stevenson took to social media to apologize. He wrote: “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.”
He also spoke to reporters about the issue, saying: “I know I let them down and those guys hold me to a higher standard such as everybody in this building… I let the moment get too big and it’s something that can never happen again.”
Stevenson is enjoying a slower sophomore season following an impressive rookie campaign in 2023. The 24-year-old has six games in 2024, posting 35 tackles with six breakups and an interception returned for a touchdown.
The 4-3 Bears face the 4-4 Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, Nov. 3.
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