Bears Name T.J. Edwards and Darnell Wright as Winners of the Brian Pic

Courage, loyalty, teamwork, dedication, and a sense of humor—these qualities defined the legacy of the late Brian Piccolo.

The Bears recently named linebacker T.J. Edwards and offensive tackle Darnell Wright as the latest winners of the Brian Piccolo Award. This honor is bestowed annually on a veteran and a rookie from the team who best reflect Piccolo's admirable qualities during his tenure with the Bears.

Edwards, who just completed his inaugural season with the Bears after signing a three-year contract from the Philadelphia Eagles, emerged as a standout defender. Alongside Tremaine Edmunds, another free agency acquisition, Edwards anchored the defense. He led the team with 155 tackles, including eight for loss, registered 2.5 sacks, forced a fumble, and intercepted three passes. Edwards also notably dined with Caleb Williams, the expected No. 1 overall pick, during Williams' top-30 visit to the city.

Wright, selected tenth overall in the previous year's draft from Tennessee, made an immediate impact as the starting right tackle. Despite allowing seven sacks, his solid performance throughout the season demonstrated his potential as a cornerstone of the team's offensive line.


Piccolo, immortalized in his friendship with Bears Hall of Fame running back Gale Sayers in the film *Brian's Song*, continues to inspire long after his passing from embryonal cell carcinoma at the age of 26. His spirit endures through the Brian Piccolo Award, celebrating the virtues he exemplified.