Chicago Bears cornerback Nahshon Wright paid an emotional tribute to longtime Laney College football coach John Beam, who tragically passed away after being shot
15:59 ET, 16 Nov 2025
Nahshon Wright looks down during the national anthem
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Nahshon Wright paid tribute to former coach John Beam after reeling in an interception(Image: Getty Images)
Chicago Bears cornerback Nahshon Wright struggled to contain his emotions upon reeling in an interception mere days after his former coach died.
At approximately 10 a.m. on Friday, longtime Laney College football coach and athletic director John Beam tragically passed away at Highland Hospital. One day prior, the Oakland football legend — who drew national attention from his appearance in Netflix’s 'Last Chance U' — was shot on the college campus where he worked.
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For Wright, the loss of Beam was an incredibly tough pill to swallow. Long before making it to the NFL, the 27-year-old played one season at Laney in 2018, during which he propelled the Eagles to a state championship title.
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During Sunday’s NFC North clash between the Bears and Minnesota Vikings, Wright appeared to pay tribute to Beam. With less than one minute remaining in the second quarter, the defensive back high-pointed a floating pass from quarterback J.J. McCarthy intended for Jordan Addison.
Following the contested interception, Wright dropped to one knee and pointed towards the sky as several teammates rushed to console him. Once he returned to the sideline, Bears defensive backs coach Al Harris hugged his player and spoke softly in his ear.
Taking to social media on Friday, Wright shed light on the impactful role that Beam played in his football career. Last month, the 66-year-old visited Soldier Field to watch the California native and his brother, Rejzohn, face off in the Bears’ 26-14 win over the New Orleans Saints.
“My heart aches so much right now,” Wright wrote on X. “Beam is the most down to earth person I’ve ever meet when my father was shot and killed he came and knocked on my door and got me and my younger brother out of bed and the rest is history.
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“I’m glad I was able to speak with you one last time before this happened. I’ll miss sitting in that office and talking about life, football and finances, walking around that track. I could write a book about you. I’ll love and miss you Forever. Love you Beam.”
Beam’s passing sent shockwaves across Oakland, as droves of former players, colleagues and friends shed light on the immense impact he had on the community.
Mayor Barbara Lee fondly described him as a “giant” in the city who “gave Oakland’s youth their best chance” at future success. “For over 40 years, he has shaped leaders on and off the field, and our community is shaken alongside his family,” Lee said.
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In an official statement read by police during Friday’s press conference, Beam’s family expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and support.
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"We are devastated that John Beam, our loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, coach, mentor, and friend, has passed," they said.
"Our hearts are full from the outpouring of love and support from all who cared about him. We are deeply grateful for your continued prayers, well wishes and thoughts. At this time, we kindly ask everyone to fully respect our family's privacy."
Police arrested a 27-year-old suspect — identified as Cedric Irving Jr. — on Friday and believe the shooting was a targeted attack.