‘I’m Playing All 21 Games’ — Jaquan Brisker’s Wild Comeback Pledge Has Bears Fans Hyped!

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Chicago Bears' safety Jaquan Brisker has a bold goal he wants to accomplish next season.

Chicago Bears safety Jaquan Brisker’s message heading into the 2025 NFL Draft is simple: availability is the best ability.

After battling injuries and missing time in each of his first three seasons, the former 2022 second-round pick has set a bold goal — to play in all 21 games, including the postseason and Super Bowl.

“Really just to play all 21 games,” Brisker said after a recent training camp practice, according to Chicago Tribune’s Brad Biggs. “When I say 21, it’s plus playoffs (including wild-card round) and Super Bowl.”

Jaquan Brisker Eyes Lofty Goal as Bears’ Playmaker on Defense

It’s an ambitious mindset, but one that reflects Brisker’s commitment to becoming a cornerstone of Chicago’s defense under new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. The Bears’ strong safety has shown flashes of elite potential, but the biggest thing holding him back has been availability.

Since entering the league, Brisker has had to navigate a variety of injuries, including multiple concussions.

And despite the setback, Brisker isn’t playing scared. In fact, he’s not planning on wearing a Guardian Cap (a padded outer shell used by many players for extra concussion protection) during the regular season. Instead, he’s focused on playing smarter and cleaner, using technique and anticipation rather than reckless hits.

“I’m a playmaker. I can make plays. I’m going to hit. I’m going to tackle, cover, make plays on the ball.” However, Brisker has changed helmets, wearing an Axiom model now, and “pledged to avoid leading with his head,” according to Biggs.

“Really, I just seen the No. 1 helmet and then I just mentioned my facemask was kind of similar to my last one,” Brisker said of the helmet switch. “That’s all I care about is the facemask.”

It’s TBD if Brisker’s decision not to wear a Guardian Cap will be a good one, but the hope is he avoids the dreaded concussion bug he’s had over the years.

Brisker’s Versatility Could Be Key to Staying on the Field

For Brisker, reaching that 21-game goal won’t just depend on staying healthy; it will also require adapting to the evolving demands of Chicago’s defense. New defensive coordinator Dennis Allen has already introduced a more dynamic and flexible scheme, featuring a variety of sub-packages and multiple safety looks.

As a result, Brisker is thriving in the new environment. “I’m going to be close to the line of scrimmage,” he said. “Sometimes I’ll be back. But I love being closer to the line of scrimmage. Really just having me anywhere you’ve got to account for me, trying to see where I’m at.”

Allen’s willingness to move Brisker all over the field should give him more chances to make an impact without putting himself in harm’s way. “Just like (coach) Ben (Johnson) said the other say, you’ve got to know where (No.) 9 is, and that’s true,” Brisker said. “I’ll be close, I’ll be in the back, I might be outside corner, I might be in the slot. You never know.”

Brisker continues to flash in camp, most recently when he nearly intercepted Caleb Williams during a sideline throw to Olamide Zaccheaus. And if he continues on this trend, he’ll surely get an extension as he heads into the final year of his rookie deal.