Brisker opens up on recovery, resilience, and redemption

Ariana Pensy - Correspondent - 22 hours ago

CHICAGO - In each of his first three seasons in the NFL, safety Jaquan Brisker has sustained a concussion that has cost him some time.

However, last season, his concussion cost him the final 12 weeks of the season.

“I really thought I was fine to be honest. It was just a hard process, a hard thing. Obviously, I wanted to be out there, play football. But, I just couldn’t. I physically couldn’t. But, everyday (I) told my mother I will be playing this game. Every time I came here, I just couldn’t get past (a) certain process … I love football, (I have) been playing since I was four. It’s hard being away from ball. So, (I) just had to keep my mind right and just lock in,” Brisker said. “I went to a doctor in Pittsburgh and he basically explained the type of concussion I had and told me how to retrain (the nervous system). So, really just doing exercises and that’s really what I had to do and then I did further more when I got to California … “It was kind of getting sad and (I was) depressed. But, (I) got over it. It’s time to move on and I’m back now.”

During that time, his teammates supported him even though Brisker was not able to return to the field.

Players like edge rusher Montez Sweat, defensive lineman Byron Cowart and safety Kevin Byard helped Brisker relax and get through that difficult time.

“My teammates really helped me (get) the stress down because I was, I wanted to be out there bad, like super bad and I just couldn’t and a lot of teammates helped me, especially, shout out to Montez,” Brisker said. “Shout out to teammates like that who were talking to me, who let me get in the hyperbaric chamber. Just told me, ‘Just relax. We got this.’ Once they told me that, I was more relaxed Byron and KB. I can name so many, so I appreciate them for sure.”

Now that he is back and able to play, Brisker reflected on how blessed he is to be playing in the NFL. Retirement was never something that crossed his mind, despite having three concussions in his young NFL career, because of how much he loves the game.

Furthermore, he also emphasized that he will continue to play in the same aggressive manner he did prior to his concussion.

“I’m just blessed to play football. It means a lot. Obviously, I love playing football. So, just being out there, especially coming from where I’m from, just seeing what I’ve seen, there’s so many people who want to be in this position, so many people who just want to be in my shoes. So, I’m just blessed just to be here and it means a lot. I don’t take it for granted. Never took it for granted even before I got hurt,” Brisker said. “I want to hit right now … I’m playing full speed. I’m going to be a playmaker. Nothing really changes, it’s just I’m going to be stronger. I’m going to be a lot more mentally focused … I did so much work, so I’m really passed it. I’m really moving on.”

Going into this season, one big goal for Brisker is simply to stay healthy.

He has yet to play a full season as he missed two games in each of his first two seasons in the league because of concussions.

“Just stay healthy. I don’t got to prove anything. When nine’s out there, I make plays,” Brisker said. “I go attack the ball and I come down and hit. I come down and tackle and I’m a leader. So, really just have to be out there.”