Bears CB Tyrique Stevenson on What He's Learned from Al Harris

Tyrique Stevenson is entering his fourth NFL season and final year of his rookie contract. 

He is one of only four remaining players from the Chicago Bears' 10-man 2023 draft class. Stevenson joins right tackle Darnell Wright, running back Roschon Johnson and linebacker Noah Sewell. Cornerback Terrell Smith was waived on roster cut-down day, and the Bears traded defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr. to the Atlanta Falcons. 

Stevenson is in a contract year, making this a pivotal year for the 26-year-old defensive back. One of the main areas that defensive coordinator Dennis Allen wants to see improvement from Stevenson and the rest of his defense is consistency. Allen believes Stevenson is a starting corner in this league, but he has to prove that on a play-to-play basis. 

And Stevenson has taken a day-to-day approach to learn about that mentality. 

"I would say just the little things matter," Stevenson told reporters on Tuesday. "How you do the little things is how you do everything. So I would just say from when I wake up in the morning till I go to bed at night, just be intentional about everything, and always doing everything with something with a purpose. At the end I think that’s going to translate to off the field things and on the field."

Stevenson had a strong training camp, consistently finding ways to make plays on the football. That didn't just happen by coincidence. 

"I think it was just, like, manifesting it," Stevenson said. "Like, I wake up with the ball in my mind. I got two balls in my locker, I got two balls in my car. I play catch with my son, he's 1. He can't catch it, but you know. I think it’s just me and Al [Harris] – you know, shout out to Al – just mentally making it ball-conscious. And I think that just comes from [that] I'm looking for it, and every chance I can get my hands on it, I'm going to get it."

Bears defensive pass game coordinator and defensive backs coach Al Harris and Stevenson have a strong connection, one that includes learning about each other's families. 

That bond between the two is why Stevenson values everything his coach has to offer. If Stevenson can translate what he did in training camp to regular season games, then he will put himself in a position to earn a new contract with Chicago or with another team. 

Harris' track record speaks for itself. During his three seasons with the Kanas City Chiefs, he helped Marcus Peters secure 19 interceptions. Later, in his five seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, he coached Trevon Diggs to an NFL-leading 11 interceptions in 2021 and helped Daron Bland set the NFL single-season record with five pick-sixes in 2023. Former Bears safety Kevin Byard led the NFL with his seven interceptions last season. 

"He’s got guys in the league who have listened to him and it worked," Stevenson said. "And I just think I would say just today in practice, just listening to him, listening to the small details is making me play a little bit faster. So just seeing that happen in practice is giving me the confidence I need to go get ‘em in the game."