Chicago Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson appeared to be more interested in taunting Washington Commanders fans than doing his actual job for a few key seconds on Sunday.
As a result, he was essentially forced to apologize in the aftermath of the Hail Mary heard around the football world.
In video that went viral, Stevenson was seen jawing with fans on the sideline as Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels scrambled to buy time.
Eventually, Stevenson started concentrating on the play. He leapt to tip the ball, but it went right into the hands of Commanders receiver Noah Brown for the win.
In his apology, Stevenson noted the game isn’t over until “zeros hit the clock.”
In 2019, ESPN reported Hail Marys have been successful on about one of every 12 attempts over a one-decade sample period.
A second-round pick out of Miami in 2023, Stevenson has been a starter his entire time with the Bears.
Stevenson was named NFC defensive player of the week in Week 1 after intercepting a Will Levis pass and returning it 43 yards for a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans.