Bears Player Pays Tribute To ‘Last Chance U’ Coach Jon Beam
The football world was saddened by the death of former football coach John Beam, who died after being shot on the campus where he worked. The 66-year-old Beam was the longtime head coach at Laney College in Oakland, California. Beam helped several players reach major college football scholarships, and some even made their way to the NFL.
Beam and Laney College were featured on season five of the Netflix documentary series "Last Chance U," which chronicled the team's 2019 campaign. One of Beam's former players who went on to succeed in college and in the NFL paid tribute to the coach just days after his passing.
During Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears defensive back Nahshon Wright grabbed an interception just before halftime. The turnover prevented Minnesota from scoring on the drive, and opened the door for the Bears to win the game with a last-second field goal.
Wright, who played at Laney for one season under Beam before moving on to Oregon State, said that he felt his former coach and his presence on game day.
Wright Says 'He Was Watching Over Me'
"He was watching over me," Wright said about Beam. "It's crazy. He called me the night before he passed and he told me that every game he watched, I just seemed to get a pick. So I just know he was behind me today."
After catching the interception, Wright was visibly emotional. He dropped to one knee and lowered his head before teammates helped him up. The defensive back also plans to donate the game ball to Beam's family following the key interception.
Wright and his younger brother Rezjohn were featured on "Last Chance U" with the rest of the 2019 Laney roster. The brothers are among at least 20 of Beam's former players who have appeared professionally.
Wright's Relationship with Coach Beam
"He meant the world to me," the defensive back said after the game about his former coach. Wright noted that Beam stepped in to help him and his brother after his father was shot and killed in 2017.
"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's been there. He's been there every step of the way, and it won't stop. I gained an angel."
Police arrested a suspect in the shooting, and authorities believe the shooter knew and targeted the former coach. Many have paid tribute after his passing, but Wright's gesture may be have been one of the most significant we'll see in the NFL this season.
This story was originally reported by Men's Journal on Nov 17, 2025, where it first appeared in the Sports section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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