From $25K to $10M: Tyson Bagent’s tearful speech has fans rooting harder than ever

If you ever needed proof that dreams don’t care where you start, Tyson Bagent just delivered it in the most emotional way possible. The Chicago Bears quarterback, who not long ago was a Division II kid at Shepherd University in West Virginia just signed a massive $10 million extension and couldn’t hold back tears as he explained how many people he’ll be able to help with this money.

From a $25k signing bonus to a $5 million-per-year contract, this is the kind of underdog fairytale the NFL is made for.

From Shepherd University to Chicago: Tyson Bagent’s $10M payday brings him to tears

Before he was tearing up over a $10M deal, Tyson Bagent was just another college QB at Shepherd Rams, a Division II program in West Virginia that doesn’t exactly scream NFL pipeline. He wasn’t drafted, didn’t have the hype, and definitely didn’t walk into the league with big endorsements waiting for him.

But what he did have was grit, a cannon for an arm, and the kind of perseverance that makes scouts stop and think twice.

Most Division II players never even sniff the league. Bagent not only made it, he carved himself a real role in Chicago.

When Bagent first entered the NFL, his deal was about as small as it gets, a $25,000 signing bonus, and barely $1.5 million spread across two years. In NFL money, that’s pocket change. Every snap he took was basically an audition just to stay in the league.

Fast-forward to now, his new $10 million contract extension puts him at $5M per year. That’s not just job security, that’s generational stability. It’s the kind of deal most undrafted players only dream about, and Bagent made it reality.

Tears of gratitude show what this moment means

When the extension was announced, Bagent broke down while talking to reporters. His words weren’t about himself or flashy purchases, but about how many people he could help with this money.

That honesty, that raw emotion, it’s what made this moment hit harder than a touchdown celebration.

Instead of bragging, he showed gratitude. Instead of flexing, he cried. And honestly, that’s why people are rallying behind him because he feels real.

Why Tyson Bagent’s story matters for football fans everywhere

Bagent’s rise isn’t just about football. It’s about belief. He’s proof that you don’t need to come from a powerhouse program or be a first-round pick to make an impact. He’s proof that overlooked athletes can still climb to the top.

In a league obsessed with stars and superteams, Tyson Bagent’s story is a refreshing reminder: sometimes the best narratives are written by the guys no one expected.Also read - Travis Kelce isn’t the first: Swifties remind everyone Taylor’s always shown off her boyfriends