Defensive lineman Nick Williams certainly felt that, wishing his breakout season could've continued into the postseason. But after the final game, Williams was feeling personal pride, too.
While the Bears will remember their lost season for what it could've been, Williams will look back on 2019 for what he made it. The 29-year-old Williams received his biggest opportunity yet in his seventh NFL season and with his fourth team.
Williams played in all 16 games and recorded six sacks, proving himself to the Bears and the rest of the league. Prior to 2019, Williams had played in 28 career games without ever recording a sack.
"I just wanted to prove it, not only to myself but to everybody in the league who lost out on me," Williams said after the season finale in Minnesota. "I was kind of stashed away on different teams.
"I just wanted to come in here and play good football."
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Williams initially stepped into a bigger role when the Bears defensive line lost Bilal Nichols to a hand fracture in early September. The group later lost Akiem Hicks, Roy Robertson-Harris and Eddie Goldman to injuries. As health issues took a toll on the defense, Williams' play proved important. He was second on the team in sacks, trailing only Khalil Mack.
In 2017, Williams went unsigned and was out of the NFL, left wondering whether he should continue to pursue a career in football. He wasn't ready to call it a career, believing there was something more ahead. Williams kept working back at home in Alabama and waited for a phone call to come.
The Bears signed Williams after he made a strong impression during a minicamp tryout in spring 2018. He played in just two games that season, but Williams continued to work and took advantage of his chance in 2019.
"I wanted to let them know that they had a good football player," Williams said.
Williams is set to become a free agent this offseason and positioned to capitalize on his breakthrough season. Though he turns 30 in February, Williams showed he's still a developing player with untapped potential.
The Bears have Hicks, Goldman and Nichols locked into contracts, which leaves it unclear whether they can retain Williams. After being stashed away on so many rosters for years, Williams will now have a choice on where he can play and the opportunity for more stability and financial security.
Williams isn't changing his approach in an offseason that will certainly feel different.
"Just going and working my ass off again," Williams said. "I only know one way to train, and that's training like a dog, training hard.
"I can be a lot better."