It's too easy to forget that NFL players are human beings, with families and upbringings and stories not unlike the rest of us.
Chicago Bears backup quarterback Tyson Bagent reminded us all of that on Wednesday. He signed a two-year, $10 million extension, which is truly life-changing money.
Bagent spoke with reporters after the deal and shared his family's story, and why this means so much to him:
"A lot of people don't know this, but my dad is my right-hand man, and he didn't even have running water until he was in high school. There's definitely a lot of people I could certainly help with this gift I've been blessed with. Just little things like that. I don't really know anybody back at home with any money, so yeah, it feels good. It's certainly a weight off my shoulders, my family's shoulders. It definitely means a lot."
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Bagent has earned this, too.
He took a path rarely traveled to the NFL, playing his college football at Division II Shepherd University.
He signed with the Bears as an undrafted free agent before the 2023 season.
In 2023, he actually got four starts, completing 65.7% of his passes with three passing TDs and two additional rushing TDs.
He was Caleb Williams' backup in 2024, appearing in four games.
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Bagent is the kind of guy who can be a good backup quarterback for years to come, a constant supporting presence for Williams who can also deliver when called upon at a moment's notice.
More importantly, though, he has helped to write a new story for his family. He has given hope to people back home. He has made it to a spot that not many would've expected.
Bagent might be "just" a backup quarterback, but to those he knows, he's so much more. He can serve as an inspiration.
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