T.J. Edwards Delivers Instant Impact with Pick-Six to Open Bears-49ers Thriller
It took all of 15 seconds for T.J. Edwards to make his presence felt under the bright lights of prime time - and he didn’t waste a moment. On the very first play from scrimmage, the Chicago Bears linebacker jumped into the spotlight with a game-opening pick-six that set the tone for one of the most electric NFL matchups of the season.
Facing the San Francisco 49ers, the Bears were looking to make a statement early, and Edwards delivered. Brock Purdy’s opening pass, intended for wide receiver Jauan Jennings, was tipped at the line by cornerback Jaylon Johnson. The deflection sent the ball fluttering into Edwards’ hands deep in 49ers territory - and from there, it was all green grass ahead.
Edwards, a former Wisconsin Badgers standout and Illinois native, wasted no time. He bolted down the sideline, untouched, for a 34-yard touchdown return. Just like that, Chicago had a 7-0 lead before San Francisco’s offense had even found its footing.
A Defensive Spark in a Wild Offensive Battle
While the Bears ultimately came up short against the 49ers in a high-octane shootout, Edwards’ early-game heroics were a reminder of just how impactful he’s been for Chicago’s defense. The pick-six wasn’t just a highlight - it was a statement. Edwards has been a steady force since arriving in Chicago, and this moment only added to his growing résumé.
Through eight games this season, Edwards had already racked up 54 total tackles (25 solo) and forced three fumbles. His consistency has been a cornerstone for the Bears' defense, and Sunday’s performance added yet another layer to his value.
Going back to the start of his run in Chicago in 2023, Edwards had played in 34 straight games entering this weekend. Over that stretch, he compiled 284 total tackles (170 solo), 20 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, four interceptions, and four fumble recoveries. That kind of production doesn’t just happen - it’s the result of high football IQ, relentless motor, and a nose for the ball.
Securing the Future in the Windy City
The Bears clearly see Edwards as a foundational piece. In April, they locked him in with a two-year contract extension worth $10 million annually, including $16.6 million fully guaranteed. That deal not only reflects his on-field impact but also signals the team’s belief in his leadership as they push toward a playoff run - his first with the Bears since joining the team.
For Edwards, it’s a homecoming story with serious upside. Hailing from Lake Villa, Illinois, and making his name at Wisconsin, he’s now thriving on one of the NFL’s biggest stages - and doing it in front of the hometown crowd.
A Legacy That Started in Madison
Before he was making game-changing plays on Sundays, Edwards was a dominant force in Madison. His college career with the Badgers was nothing short of legendary.
In 53 games, he piled up 367 tackles, 37.5 tackles for loss, eight sacks, and 10 interceptions - the most ever by a linebacker in Wisconsin history. That kind of production translated seamlessly to the pros, where he’s continued to be a playmaker at every level of the field.
Sunday night’s pick-six was more than just a flash of brilliance. It was a reflection of who T.J.
Edwards is as a player - instinctive, prepared, and always ready to seize the moment. And while the Bears didn’t come away with the win, they left with a clear reminder: when Edwards is on the field, game-changing plays are always just a snap away.