Jaquan Brisker

BIOGRAPHY

Jaquan Monte Brisker is a noteworthy name in the world of American professional football. Born on April 20, 1999, Brisker is a professional safety for the Chicago Bears, a prestigious team in the National Football League (NFL). His journey from a young football enthusiast to a professional NFL player is as inspiring as his performance on the field.

To trace the roots of Brisker’s football career, one might have to travel back to his high school days in Monroeville, Pennsylvania. He was a student at Gateway High School, where he actively participated in both basketball and football. Hailing from the prominent city of Pittsburgh, Brisker was noticed and pursued by several major college football programs. However, his low SAT score made him academically ineligible to play NCAA Division I football.

Rather than being disheartened and giving up, Brisker decided to take another path and enrolled at Lackawanna College in Scranton, Pennsylvania. This decision made him pass on offers from the highly regarded Youngstown State, Toledo, and California University of Pennsylvania. At Lackawanna College, Brisker had an impressive freshman season which paved the way to his transfer to Penn State.

His performance at Penn State further solidified his profile as an emerging football player. Following a remarkable sophomore year where he chalked up 64 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and nine sacks along with one forced fumble and one fumble recovery, Brisker was all set to elevate his football career.

During his first season at Penn State in 2019, he participated in 13 games and stacked up remarkable stats including 32 tackles, two interceptions, and three pass breakups. His performance did not go unnoticed, and he was upgraded to a starting position in his senior year in 2020. Subsequently, he was recognized as the third-team All-Big Ten after recording stunning figures such as 57 tackles, four passes broken up, and one interception.

Despite the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, Brisker made use of the extra year of eligibility granted to college athletes in 2020. He returned to Penn State in 2021 and was elected as a team captain. With 64 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions, five passes broken up, and a fumble recovery, Brisker wrapped up his college career on a high note. He then announced his decision to skip the 2022 Outback Bowl and declared for the 2022 NFL draft. He was honored as a second-team All-American and first-team All-Big Ten, also receiving an invitation to the Senior Bowl.

Brisker’s exceptional performance earned him a spot with the Chicago Bears, who selected him 48th overall in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. To make room for Brisker, the Bears traded Khalil Mack to the Los Angeles Chargers and also received a future sixth-round pick.

Brisker did not disappoint the Chicago Bears, making an impact right from his professional debut with a 19–10 win against the San Francisco 49ers. He steadily climbed the ladder, notching up significant stats, including his first career interception in a game against the New England Patriots.

He faced his share of challenges with injuries during the season, including a concussion that saw him sidelined for two games. Despite such obstacles, he finished his debut season with impressive stats, including 104 combined tackles, four sacks, two pass deflections, a forced fumble, and recovery, as well as an interception.

Brisker’s notable performance fetched him a spot in the 2022 All-Rookie Team presented by Pro Football Focus. CBS Sports Chicago also acclaimed his successful rookie season by naming him the Bears’ Rookie of the Year.

Brisker’s journey from the streets of Pittsburgh to the fields of the NFL is one of unyielding passion and remarkable skill. His climb to success stands as a testament to his hard work and undying determination, making him a name to remember in American Football.