MINNEAPOLIS — Bears cornerback Nahshon Wright took to the field with a somber spirit on Sunday, following the passing of his former college coach, John Beam. Despite the emotional weight, Wright secured his fourth interception of the season, contributing to Chicago’s narrow 19-17 victory over Minnesota. Reflecting on the game, Wright expressed that Beam’s presence was felt, saying, “He was behind me today.”

John Beam, a renowned football coach from Laney College and a prominent figure from the Netflix documentary series “Last Chance U,” tragically passed away after a shooting incident on the Oakland campus where he was employed on November 13. Authorities have apprehended a suspect, who reportedly had a personal motive against Beam.

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Wright’s connection to Beam dates back to 2018 when he played under Beam’s guidance at junior college before transferring to Oregon State. The news of Beam’s untimely death reached Wright on Friday, delivered by a former coach, just two days after their last conversation.

In a heartfelt reflection, Wright stated, “He was watching over me. It’s surreal. He called me the night before he passed, mentioning how I always seemed to get an interception in each game he watched. I’m certain he was with me today.”

During the game, Wright made a pivotal interception against his former team as he and Vikings receiver Jordan Addison raced into the end zone. This crucial play stopped Minnesota from scoring a touchdown right before halftime, allowing Chicago to narrow the score gap to one point. Standing at 6-foot-5, Wright used his height advantage, towering six inches over Addison, to leap above the receiver, seize the ball, and secure Chicago’s 22nd takeaway of the season.

“That was a huge one for us, right before halftime,” Bears coach Ben Johnson said. “They’re knocking on the door, in scoring range. He was the game captain here this week, he was the guest captain. I know it means something to him going against his former team and how it went down. Really good coverage. He’s so long that he’s able to knock balls away or haul them in. We definitely needed that one.”

After coming down with the football, Wright dropped to one knee in the back of the end zone and lowered his head. He was surrounded by teammates who hugged and helped him to his feet as he was overcome with emotion. Wright said he plans to give the interception ball to Beam’s family.

Wright fought back tears as he described his relationship with Beam following the game. When Wright’s father was shot and killed in 2017, Beam “stepped in as a father figure” for Wright and his brother, Rejzohn, who is a cornerback for the New Orleans Saints.

“He meant the world to me,” Wright said. “When my dad was killed, he came to my house and got me out of the bed. He was someone I could confide in, someone that I just love dearly. We talk once a week, easily.

“He did a lot for me and my brother and my family. He been there. He’s been there every step of the way, and it won’t stop. I gained an angel.”

Wright last saw Beam, who was serving as the Laney athletic director after retiring from coaching in 2024, when the Bears hosted the Saints in Week 7. The night before the game, the two walked up and down Chicago’s Magnificent Mile so Beam could “get his steps in” and talked about life and Wright’s plans for the future.

The night before Beam was killed, he called Wright to rib him about an interview he did where current Laney football coach Josh Ramos was credited with moving Wright from receiver to cornerback.

“He called me and was like, ‘No, I’m the one who did that,’” Wright said. “So we laughed about that, and I was just glad I got to talk to him one last time.”

The significance of Wright’s play against the team that released him in April (the Bears signed him one day later) was not lost on his teammates.

“I’m super happy for him,” Bears safety Kevin Byard III said. “I know he’s been through a lot this week. …. He was playing with a heavy heart today, so I just told him how much I was proud of him and it’s just a special moment to be able to get an interception.”