Tag: T.J. Edwards

Former Wisconsin linebacker snatches first interception of 2024 NFL season

Former Wisconsin linebacker snatches first interception of 2024 season

Former Wisconsin linebacker T.J. Edwards recorded his first interception of the 2024 season on Sunday vs. the New England Patriots.

The play arrived on a first-down sequence early in the first quarter of the Chicago Bears’ game vs. New England. When Patriots quarterback Drake Maye rolled to his right and tossed a jump pass to tight end Austin Hooper, Edwards leaped, snagged the attempt and skillfully got both feet down to secure the interception.

The play flipped possession in Chicago’s favor, but the Bears were unable to orchestrate a scoring drive and punted after three plays.

Nonetheless, the play encapsulates Edwards’ versatility. At 6-foot-1, 241 pounds, Edwards is excellent outside of the hashes. Whether it be making a tackle in the open field against a dynamic running back or defending a play-action pass, Edwards has the ability to alter the course of a game.

The former Badger led all defenders with 13 total tackles, including seven solo. Through nine games this season, the UW alumnus is responsible for 73 total tackles, 42 solo tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, one interception, two pass deflections and four tackles for loss.

After spending three seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, Edwards has become nothing short of a game-changer in Chicago He posted 155 total tackles and a career-high 2.5 sacks in 17 games during the 2023 season.

Edwards will again suit up at linebacker next week alongside Tremaine Edmunds and Jack Sanborn in the Bears’ tenth game of the season against the Green Bay Packers on Nov. 17.

Former Wisconsin linebacker played role during Commanders game-winning Hail Mary

Former Wisconsin linebacker played big role during Commanders game-winning Hail Mary

Former Wisconsin Badgers and current Chicago Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards appeared to serve as the ‘spy’ on Washington Commanders QB Jayden Daniels during the Commanders’ miraculous game-winning Hail Mary on Sunday.

Assigned to cover dynamic Washington quarterback Daniels during the play, Edwards is seen roaming the middle of the field to prevent the former Heisman Trophy winner from rushing in the game’s waning seconds.

The play ultimately resulted in an unlikely touchdown after Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson tipped Daniel’s pass backward to wide receiver Noah Brown. Brown — who was positioned in the perfect place at the most opportune time. Brown caught the game-winning touchdown, wide open behind a pile of Commanders pass-catchers and Bears defenders.

While several talking heads and social media users may be debating whether Edwards’ role as the spying linebacker was essential or not, the play was predicated on luck. The odds of Edwards playing any type of role in a pass breakup play aren’t zero, but they’re low.

Edwards finished the game with six total tackles, one tackle for loss and one sack. The Bears next game is schedule for Sunday, Nov. 3 on the road against the Arizona Cardinals.

WATCH: Former Wisconsin linebacker forces turnover vs. Jaguars in London

WATCH: Former Wisconsin linebacker forces turnover vs. Jaguars in London

Former Wisconsin linebacker T.J. Edwards flashed his defensive abilities against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.

In the NFL’s second consecutive international game staged in London, England, Edwards notched seven tackles, one forced fumble and one pass deflection for the Chicago Bears.

Edwards’ forced fumble arrived on the first sequence of the second quarter with the Bears up 14-3. After Jaguars’ quarterback Trevor Lawrence completed a 24-yard pass to tight end Evan Engram, Edwards stormed in from behind the pass-catcher to execute a tackle and rip the ball out of his hands.

Bears’ cornerback Elijah Hicks scooped up the loose ball and wound up on Jacksonville’s 41-yard line. Chicago quarterback Caleb Williams turned Edwards’ play into a nine-yard touchdown pass to veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen to push the Bears ahead 21-3. The score would prove to be the deciding touchdown of the contest.

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Edwards has now registered 47 total tackles, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery through six games of the 2024 season. He will suit up at linebacker next alongside Tremaine Edmunds and Jack Sanborn in the Bears’ Week 7 game against the Washington Commanders on Oct. 27.

Wisconsin position group dominates in opening weekend of 2024 NFL season

Wisconsin position group dominates in opening weekend of 2024 NFL season

Several former Wisconsin linebackers erupted during Week 1 of the 2024 NFL slate this past weekend.

Among the stars were Kansas City Chiefs LB Leo Chenal, Chicago Bears ILB T.J. Edwards, Philadelphia Eagles ILB Zack Baun, Minnesota Vikings OLB Andrew Van Ginkel and Pittsburgh Steelers OLB T.J. Watt.

Each playmaker was a handful for the offenses they lined up against. Watt and Baun even clinched their squads’ opening weekend victories with game-ending sacks in the final sequence of their respective contests.

While many members of the Badger faithful are accustomed to witnessing Watt decimate his adversaries regularly, Wisconsin fans were able to observe some spectacular performances from other UW alumni who don’t receive the same type of attention.

Baun, who recorded just 30 total tackles a season ago with the New Orleans Saints, registered 15 tackles, two sacks and a tackle for loss in the Eagles’ 34-29 victory over the Green Bay Packers in Sao Paolo, Brazil.

Edwards also showed out for the entire Week 1 window. He led Chicago with 15 tackles and recovered a Will Levis fumble to help the Bears shift momentum against the Tennessee Titans at Soldier Field.

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Van Ginkel, who made his Vikings debut on Sunday, intercepted a Daniel Jones’ pass and took it to the house for six points en route to a blowout victory over the New York Giants. And that’s just to name a few highlights.

While notorious for producing high end offensive linemen and running backs, UW also knows a thing or two about developing linebackers. Eight former Wisconsin linebackers currently play in the NFL, six of whom figure to serve as defensive staples for their crews this season.

Chicago Bears include former Wisconsin standout LB in team captain list

Chicago Bears include former Wisconsin standout LB in team captain list

The Chicago Bears named former Wisconsin Badgers linebacker T.J. Edwards as one of its team captains for the 2024 season on Monday.

The Lake Villa, Illinois native is one of the Bears eight captains for the 2024 season, along with quarterback Caleb Williams, receiver DJ Moore, tight ends Cole Kmet and Marcedes Lewis, linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, cornerback Jaylon Johnson and safety Kevin Byard III.

Edwards enters his second season representing the Bears after four years with the Philadelphia Eagles. He recorded 155 total tackles, 2.5 sacks, eight quarterback hits three interceptions and two fumble recoveries in 17 appearances a season ago.

During his four seasons representing UW, Edwards earned honors including First-Team All-Big Ten, Butkus Award finalist and First-Team All-American. He registered 367 total tackles, 37.5 TFLs and 8.0 sacks as a Badger. His 10 interceptions are also the most by any linebacker in program history.

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Anchored by first-year defensive coordinator Eric Washington, the Bears’ defense will aim to dominate this season. The unit ranked No. 1 in rushing defense across the entire NFL in 2023, due in part to Edwards’ strong play at the position.

Edwards rounds out a loaded class of former Badgers who will serve as team captains for the 2024 season in the NFL. Outside linebacker T.J. Watt (Steelers), quarterback Russell Wilson (Steelers), running back Jonathan Taylor (Colts), fullback Alec Ingold (Dolphins) and offensive tackle Rob Havenstein (Rams) earned the nods for their respective franchises.

Wisconsin football boasts significant recent success at one defensive position

Wisconsin football boasts significant recent success at one defensive position

Wisconsin’s recruiting department offers an enticing message to incoming college prospects at the linebacker position.

In a recent X video, the Badgers highlight their professional success stories at the linebacker position. Eight active UW alumni will star at linebacker for a combined six NFL squads this season.

The list includes T.J. Edwards (Bears), Jack Sanborn (Bears), Maema Njongmeta (Bengals), Leo Chenal (Chiefs), Andrew Van Ginkel (Vikings), Zack Baun (Eagles), Nick Herbig (Steelers) and T.J. Watt (Steelers).

Similar to what Wisconsin’s program provides its incoming recruits at offensive line and running back, its linebacker legacy is no joke. The pitch is simple: if you need a blueprint of how to reach the NFL at the position, play for the Badgers.

UW’s 2024 linebacker class includes OLB Thomas Heiberger, ILB Landon Gauthier and OLB Anelu Lafaele. All rank No. 3 or No. 4 on UW’s depth chart at the position at this stage. Heiberger was already showing signs of future stardom before a knee injury halted his progress.

Wisconsin’s 2025 LB class includes several high-profile high school products. Four-star Mason Posa, three-star Samuel Lateju, three-star Brenden Anes and three-star Cooper Catalano are all currently committed to the class with time remaining before it is finalized.

Former Wisconsin linebacker has high praise for Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love

Former Wisconsin linebacker has high praise for Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love

Former Wisconsin linebacker T.J. Edwards had significant praise for Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love in an interview used for the newly-released NFL Top 100 ranking release.

Shortly after inking a new four-year, $220 million deal with the Packers, Love earned the No. 34 ranking on the NFL’s Top 100 miniseries. Edwards, who now plays for the Chicago Bears, offered some positive remarks on Love during his featured clip.

In Week 18 of the 2023 season, Love registered over 300 yards in the air and two passing touchdowns against Edwards’ Bears. The former Badger, who has started 34 straight games with Chicago, had this to say about the next NFL great:

“I think that last game we played against him, he was moving us with his eyes. He was doing things that top quarterbacks do,” Edwards said. “He can make every throw and escape in the pocket. It felt like we couldn’t get to him. For a younger guy, he manages the game well.”

During the video, Edwards alludes to a sequence where Love manipulated the defense on a third down.

“He looked me off one time. That’s the one that kind of pissed me off. It was a three-by-one, so he was looking strong. They hit a backside dig right next to me. Those are normally my favorite, but I got there late. That was a big third down completion. Hats off to him, he’s a hell of a player, for sure.”

Edwards will again serve as one of Chicago’s top inside linebackers during the 2024 season. He was named First-team All-Big Ten, a Butkus Award finalist and first-team All-America team member during his four years in Madison.

LOOK: Former Wisconsin Badgers linebackers reunite prior to 2024 NFL training camp

LOOK: Former Wisconsin Badgers linebackers reunite prior to 2024 NFL training camp

T.J. Watt, T.J. Edwards and Maema Njongmeta were among former Wisconsin Badger linebackers pictured working out together during the 2024 offseason.

Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Nick Herbig and the Philadelphia Eagles inside linebacker Zach Baun were also pictured alongside Watt, Edwards and Njongmeta.

Of the 34 former Badgers currently representing NFL franchises, eight are featured at inside linebacker or outside linebacker. Others include Minnesota OLB Andrew Van Ginkel, Kansas City ILB Leo Chenal and Chicago ILB Jack Sanborn.

The photo of the decorated former Badgers arrives on the precipice of NFL training camps for all 32 teams across the league. Edwards and the Bears commence camp on July 19, Njongmeta and the Bengals start on July 21, Baun and the Eagles begin on July 23, and the Badger-heavy Steelers are slated to begin on July 24.

For those invested in Wisconsin football, it’s a welcome sight to see former Badgers reunite during the NFL offseason. Even with the differing timelines in each of their collegiate tenures, the connection to the university remains strong among this linebacker group.

Bears DC Eric Washington believes LBs and DBs among the best in NFL

Bears DC Eric Washington believes the team’s back seven is “as good a group as there is in the NFL.”

There are high expectations surrounding the Chicago Bears heading into the 2024 season, and rightfully so.

While there’s plenty of excitement surrounding this offense, especially with the addition of rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, the defense has been flying under the radar.

Chicago’s defense was among the worst in the NFL in the first half of the 2023 season, but they made huge strides and were a top-10 unit in the final leg of the season. The addition of Montez Sweat at the trade deadline was a huge reason why.

Now, the Bears are returning their young core — including re-signing All-Pro cornerback Jaylon Johnson to a long-term deal — and expectations are high for this defense.

New defensive coordinator Eric Washington believes the pass rusher is better this year compared to the previous year. Although, it still needs some work. But Washington had high praise for Chicago’s linebackers and defensive backs, which he believes are among the best in the NFL.

“Our back seven, I think they’re as good a group as there is in the NFL,” Washington said. “I’m biased, but having a chance to be on the football field and watch them and watch the details, there’s a lot to be excited about.”

The Bears overhauled their linebacker group last offseason with the additions of T.J. Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds, and they were a big part of the defense’s success in 2023. Now, they’re back, along with Jack Sanborn, and looking to continue their dominance.

Chicago’s secondary is a young, ascending unit that made huge strides last season after struggling out of the gate. Johnson is the veteran anchor in that group, but there’s plenty of young defensive backs in place with Kyler Gordon, Jaquan Brisker, Tyrique Stevenson and Terell Smith. They also added All-Pro veteran safety Kevin Byard in free agency.

With the improvements made — and the continued development of young talent — the ceiling is high for this Bears defense in 2024.

Bears announce T.J. Edwards, Darnell Wright recipients of Brian Piccolo Award

Every year, the Bears select a veteran and rookie to honor with the Brian Piccolo Award. This year, it’s T.J. Edwards and Darnell Wright.

Courage. Loyalty. Teamwork. Dedication. A sense of humor. Those are just a few traits that described the late Brian Piccolo.

On Tuesday, the Bears announced linebacker T.J. Edwards and offensive tackle Darnell Wright as this year’s recipients of the Brian Piccolo Award. Each year, the Bears recognize a veteran and a rookie who best exemplify the traits Piccolo displayed during his time with the team.

Edwards finished up his first season in the navy and orange after he signed a three-year deal in free agency, coming over from the Philadelphia Eagles. He quickly became one of the team’s best defenders and formed a solid duo with Tremaine Edmunds, who also came over in free agency.

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In 2023, Edwards led the team with 155 tackles (eight for a loss), totaled 2.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and three interceptions. He was also one of the select players who joined presumptive No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams at dinner when he was in town for his top-30 visit.

Wright, meanwhile, was the top draft choice a year ago when he was selected No. 10 overall out of Tennessee. The hulking offensive lineman started as a rookie immediately at right tackle and started every single game. Though he allowed seven sacks on the season, Wright showed plenty of promise and is a building block for this offense going forward.

Piccolo is most known for his relationship with former Bears Hall of Fame running back Gale Sayers, and their friendship was the spotlight of the film Brian’s Song, which has left a profound impact on many who have watched it.

Piccolo passed away after embryonal cell carcinoma, an aggressive form of germ cell testicular cancer, had spread to his chest cavity. He was 26 years old. Still, Piccolo’s memory lives on through the stories told and an annual award that honors those traits that defined his character.

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