LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — Bears safety Jaquan Brisker got up from his seat inside the "Mugs" Halas Auditorium on Monday morning and turned behind him to seek out veteran offensive lineman Cody Whitehair.
The Bears had just played video of a successful field goal by kicker Cairo Santos in their 28-13 win over the Lions on Sunday at Soldier Field, and Whitehair’s effort to block three different players was brought to the attention of his teammates on film. A second-year pro, Brisker made sure he complimented Whitehair, who's one of the longest-tenured players on the team.
“He does not act like a second-year player,” veteran center Lucas Patrick said of Brisker. “He's earned the respect of us, and he's tougher than nails.”
Brisker certainly made his mark during the Bears’ second consecutive victory Sunday, recording 17 combined tackles as part of a stout defensive effort. That marked the most tackles by a Chicago defensive back dating back to at least 1960.
The 24-year-old Brisker has registered 80 combined tackles, one interception and one sack this season. A second-round pick of the Bears in 2022, Brisker has emerged as a key player in head coach Matt Eberflus’ defensive scheme.
Brisker is proving himself just as the Bears envisioned in making that selection, Eberflus said.
“His instincts and his passion really showed up,” Eberflus said. “That’s who he is. He’s an aggressive guy. He does a really good job tackling. His instincts are elite.
“I can feel his energy. He’s a special guy.”
While Brisker has been an impactful player on the field, the Bears have also come to appreciate his presence off of it.
Even though he's young, Brisker has transformed into a leader. He frequently pulls aside quarterback Justin Fields on the sideline and shares words of encouragement. He hasn't been afraid to put himself out there to an eight-year veteran like Whitehair and praise his play.
For Brisker, it isn't enough to simply fill his role on the field. He feels that becoming a building block for the Bears also means lending his voice and passion.
“It’s important just because you know we came in and they wanted us to turn it around,” Brisker said. “I’m one of those guys they brought in very early to do that.
“To lead and getting my foot in the door was very important to show who I am as a player, who I am as a leader. Who I am on and off the field was always important to me.”
As the Bears’ coaching staff begins forming its game plan early in the week, Eberflus will often receive a text message from Brisker asking for a couple rushes after the quarterback. Brisker has a knack for making plays, and Eberflus has come to rely on him within his defensive scheme.
The two have developed a bond, even during the difficult early days of the team's rebuild. As Eberflus has worked to maintain the belief of his players, Brisker has been a leading voice inside the locker room. He's constantly echoing the words of his head coach.
"Players will do anything for a guy like (Eberflus),” Brisker said. “Coach Flus is one of those guys. You can tell just by how the locker room is reacting.
“It hasn’t always been great, but guys have been wanting to come in working, grinding, wanting to turn this around."
As a rookie in 2022, Brisker connected with fellow safety Eddie Jackson, who was established as a key leader and a captain in the Bears’ locker room. The two spent time studying film at Jackson’s home, and Brisker has worked to take in the perspective of his veteran teammate.
The Bears endured struggles and turbulence in their 0-4 start to this season but stuck together. They rallied around Eberflus' belief that success was coming, and their progress is coming into focus now.
In the center of it all is Brisker, who has invested himself in the Bears’ future. His teammates have taken notice.
“He's got all my respect in the world,” Patrick said. “I love having him on the field. He's a game changer.”
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.