Chicago Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson was captured on video taunting Washington Commanders fans moments before he contributed to a game-winning Hail Mary touchdown pass to lose the game.
Stevenson was late getting over to where quarterback Jayden Daniels was throwing the ball. He got a hand on it and tipped the ball directly behind him to a waiting Noah Brown in the end zone.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Stevenson apologized to teammates regarding the situation. Head coach Matt Eberflus told Schefter "it showed responsibility and accountability."
Stevenson also posted a statement on X following the loss on Sunday.
"To Chicago and teammates my apologies for lack of awareness and focus... The game ain't over until zeroes hit the clock. Can't take anything for granted. Notes taken, improvement will happen. #Beardown," Stevenson said.
Eberflus said Stevenson's job on the play was to box out Brown, in which he never covered him.
The Athletic's Kevin Fishbain reports Stevenson was "just trying to make a play for my team" after the defeat.
“It easily could have went, ‘Oh, Tyrique, good pass knockdown’ and we’re not in the situation we’re in right now," Stevenson told reporters. “I would say the only regret I have from yesterday is just letting this team down from working hard and coming back and putting ourselves in the W column. You know, just for me to be out of place and you know do something that’s out of character for me and cost us the loss.”
