From backup to NFC Defensive Player of the Month; Bears’ Wright wins award

Chicago Bears cornerback Nahshon Wright was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Month for the month of November on Thursday.

The honor comes after a big month for Wright. He led the NFL with five takeaways with three interceptions and two fumble recoveries. Wright’s five takeaways was the most by a defender in November since 2015 and the most by a Bears defender since 2007 when Hall of Fame linebacker Brian Urlacher did it.

It’s been an impressive season for Wright, whom the Bears signed over the offseason without much fanfare. Wright stepped up at the start of the season as cornerback Jaylon Johnson missed time because of injury. He’s tied for second in the NFL with five interceptions, which is a career high.

Wright became the 10th Bears defender to win the award in its history and just the fourth defensive back to do so.