Nahshon Wright’s Breakout Year: How a Trusted Coach and a Second Chance Sparked a Star in Chicago
Let’s be honest-if you had Nahshon Wright penciled in as a breakout star for the Bears in 2025, you were either incredibly optimistic or had some serious insider info. But that’s exactly what Wright became: a cornerstone of the Chicago defense, stepping up when the team needed him most and turning in a season that few saw coming.
The numbers tell part of the story. Wright racked up 80 tackles, 11 pass breakups, five interceptions, three tackles for loss, three fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles, a quarterback hit, and even took one to the house for a pick-six. That kind of production didn’t just catch the attention of Bears fans-it earned him Pro Bowl alternate honors, stepping in for Philadelphia’s Quinyon Mitchell.
But behind the stat line is a deeper story-one of trust, belief, and a coach-player bond that helped unlock Wright’s potential.
The Al Harris Effect
At the Pro Bowl, Wright didn’t hesitate when asked what his defensive backs coach and defensive pass game coordinator, Al Harris, meant to him.
“Everything,” Wright said. “I think he’s the reason why I’m standing here today.”
That’s not lip service. The connection between Wright and Harris goes back to 2021, when Wright entered the league as a rookie with the Cowboys and Harris was his position coach. Over three seasons in Dallas, Harris helped mold Wright’s game, even as the young corner struggled to find consistency early in his career.
When Wright was traded to the Vikings ahead of the 2024 season, Harris didn’t stop checking in. That belief-quiet, steady, and unwavering-mattered. And when the opportunity came to reunite in Chicago, both sides jumped at it.
“[Harris] never gave up faith even when I did get traded,” Wright said. “He never gave up on me, always checked on me. To be able to do what we did together in Chicago, like it was everything.”
That reunion turned out to be a turning point for both.
Right Time, Right Place
Wright didn’t start 2025 as the Bears’ top corner. But the NFL is a game of attrition, and when Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon went down, Chicago needed someone to step up. Wright didn’t just fill the void-he thrived in it.
His instincts were sharper, his technique cleaner, and his confidence undeniable. That’s what happens when a player knows his coach trusts him, and when that coach has been in his corner-literally and figuratively-for years.
Wright’s breakout season wasn’t just a feel-good story. It was a product of preparation meeting opportunity, with a heavy dose of mentorship and belief.
What Comes Next?
Now comes the tricky part. Wright’s stellar season has positioned him for a big payday-reportedly a contract worth around $50 million. That’s a huge leap for a player who, just a year ago, was fighting for a roster spot.
The Bears have some tough decisions ahead. Wright’s emergence is a great problem to have, but it’s still a problem.
Chicago’s secondary is crowded with contract questions: Kevin Byard, Jaquan Brisker, and C.J. Gardner-Johnson all need attention.
Can the Bears afford to bring them all back? Should they prioritize Wright after just one standout season?
There’s no easy answer. But what’s clear is that Wright has earned a seat at the table.
He’s not just a depth piece anymore-he’s a playmaker. And if Chicago does find a way to keep the Harris-Wright tandem together, they’ll be betting on more than just one good year.
They’ll be betting on a relationship that’s already proven it can deliver when it matters most.
Wright’s rise wasn’t scripted. It wasn’t expected. But it was real-and it might just be the start of something even bigger.