By JAKE FENNER, US SPORTS WRITER
Published: 10:10 EST, 17 November 2025 | Updated: 10:10 EST, 17 November 2025
Chicago Bears cornerback Nahshon Wright has had an emotional week following the murder of his former coach, John Beam, in California.
Beam, who was featured in the Netflix docuseries 'Last Chance U' in the show's fifth season, was the former football coach at Laney College and had been serving as the school's athletic director.
Last week, Beam was shot on campus and died the following day from his wounds.
Wright, who played for one year at Laney before transferring to Oregon State, penned an emotional tribute to Beam on his social media earlier in the week.
On Sunday, in a game against the division rival Minnesota Vikings, Wright picked off quarterback JJ McCarthy in the end zone on a pass intended for Jordan Addison.
Wright almost instantly felt overwhelming emotion - putting his hand on his helmet before dropping to his knees in the back of the end zone.
Bears cornerback Nahshon Wright (26) broke down on the field after an interception against the Vikings following an emotional week where his former coach, John Beam, was murdered
Beam, who coached Wright at Laney College, was shot and killed on campus last week
Speaking to Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer, Wright revealed, 'Beam would tell me every game that he got to watch, I got a pick.
'So yeah, I definitely had him with me today on the way up to go make that play. It just meant a lot to come down with it because I know he was watching over me.'
After the game - which the Bears came back to win 19-17 - Wright explained just how much Beam impacted his life and his career.
'He meant the world to me. When my dad was killed, he came to my house and got me out the bed. Someone I can confide in someone that I just, I love dearly.
'Beam stepped in as a father figure... He did a lot for me and my brother and my family and he's been there every step of the way - and it won't stop, I gained an angel.'
Wright said similar in the immediate aftermath of Beam's death on Thursday, posting multiple pictures and a heartwarming message to his X account.
'My heart aches so much right now,' he wrote. '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.
Beam rose to fame thanks to his appearance in season five of Netflix's 'Last Chance U'
Police in California have arrested 27-year-old Cedric Irving Jr in connection with the killing
'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.'
Authorities have described Beam's murder as a 'very targeted incident' - with the former coach being shot in the head.
Police have arrested 27-year-old Cedric Irving Jr in connection with the murder.
Beam gained fame for his appearance in the Netflix series in 2020 - two years after Wright helped bring Laney College a state championship.