Chicago Bears right tackle Darnell Wright praised Jesus for the opportunity to sign a contract extension.
On Tuesday, Aug. 4, the Bears and Wright reached an agreement on a four-year, $116 million extension that includes $93 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid right tackle in NFL history. At $29 million per year, he trails only Washington Commanders’ Laremy Tunsil ($30.1 million) among all tackles league-wide. The deal runs through 2031.
A message from the man himself: pic.twitter.com/32EGblBlWq
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) August 4, 2026
But despite the major boost to his career and finances, Wright made sure to start his press conference by talking about Jesus.
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“Before we start, obviously you’re going to ask about the contract. But first and foremost, obviously, the only person I want to give thanks to is Jesus,” the athlete said.
When asked what it’s like to be rich, the right tackle responded, “It’s just money; it doesn’t get me into heaven.”
For Wright, playing in the NFL was never about the money but about glorifying God.
“It’s cool,” Wright said after he signed the contract extension, according to the Bears. “I’m very appreciative of where I came from and where I am now. I’m very blessed and thank God that I’m in this position.”
Wright also told the Bears media team that it’s important to him to stay loyal to the people who first believed in him.
“First and foremost, the person that drafted me, Ryan, he’s still here, and I wouldn’t say necessarily he took a chance on me, but he put his faith into me when he made that decision,” he expressed. “All the coaches here that have invested in me and all the people here that have invested in me — this is where I’ve made my roots.
“And obviously how great the organization is — all the history behind it. I remember going on 30 visits, and I remember thinking, this facility, there’s nothing lacking. And then obviously my teammates. I love my teammates,” he added.
For Wright, the record-setting extension is less of a payday than a testament to the faith of the people who believed in him and, above all, to the God he credits for it all. It’s a reminder that for Wright, staying in Chicago was never just about the paycheck but about loyalty to the people who believed in him and gratitude for the platform his faith has given him.
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