Tyson Bagent Delivers Inspirational Message After Winning in First NFL Start

A week after scoring his first touchdown, West Virginia native Tyson Bagent accomplishes another first in his NFL career.

Bagent’s miraculous journey from undrafted free agent to rookie sensation continued on Sunday by picking up first NFL win in his debut start. Getting the nod for an injured Justin Fields, the rookie out of Shepherd University led the Bears to a 30-12 win over the Raiders.

Tyson Bagent is the definition of an underdog 😤 pic.twitter.com/D2RNRO3AmX

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 22, 2023

And Bagent wasn’t just along for the ride, he was the one guiding Chicago’s success. Bagent completed 72.4% of his passes, going 21 of 29. He threw for 162 yards, ran for 24 and scored a touchdown pass all while posting a rating of 97.2.

“Don’t ever let anybody’s opinion stop you from chasing what you want,” Bagent said while soaking up the moment after the game.

"Don't ever let anybody's opinion stop you from chasing what you want." @LauraOkmin catches up with former Division II QB Tyson Bagent after his first NFL start and WIN for the @ChicagoBears 👏 pic.twitter.com/PQTt3oiNYF

— NFL on FOX Podcast (@NFLonFOXPod) October 22, 2023

The Bears awarded Bagent the game ball in the locker room after the game.

Tyson Bagent receives game ball in locker room.
Thanks players for having his backpic.twitter.com/CnRar0IpqF

— ✶Ⓜ️𝕒𝕣𝕔𝕦𝕤 ▶️ ✶ (@_MarcusD3_) October 22, 2023

How much more Bears fans see of Bagent will likely depend on the health status of Fields moving forward. Bagent made Chicago’s roster and then won backup job thanks to a solid preseason. The Bears signed the Martinsburg native as an undefeated free agent.

Even though Bagent didn’t garner attention like other quarterbacks from Division I schools, his college statistics were too much to ignore for the NFL to not give him a chance. In Division II, he threw for 4,580 yards in 2022 and exactly 5,000 yards passing in 2021. Bagent also completed 70% of his passes and tossed 41 touchdowns this past season, totaling 91 the last two years combined.

Tyson Bagent in the NFL also no doubt means hearing more from his dad, Travis. Mr. Bagent actually spoke for his son at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis and entertained the media members, including WVSN’s Mike Asti, in attendance.