Former Howard University star Ian Wheeler was turning heads in the preseason with his outstanding play as a running back for the Chicago Bears. In his NFL debut versus the Buffalo Bills, he rushed for 43 yards on just five carries picking up two touchdowns.
But this season wasn’t meant to be for Wheeler, he suffered a torn ACL during a game against the Kansas City Chiefs last week.
The moment Wheeler received the news was captured on “Hard Knocks,” the annual behind-the-scenes show that follows an NFL team during its fall camp and preseason. Wheeler was greeted with a long embrace from his mother Beaura as they consoled one another.
The moment was also tweeted by the NFL on Wednesday afternoon.
“Thank you for coming,” Wheeler said to his mom as they hugged.
“I had to see you. It’s the way it’s supposed to be,” Beaura Wheeler replied.
Social media users chimed in on the embrace, extolling their appreciation for Wheeler’s mom and her timing.
“That’s devastating but at least he has a good mom. Not everyone can say that,” wrote user @SteelFieldsSZN.
Another user commented on the toll that injuries play on not just the athletes but the families.
“The side of the game most fans will never understand. The families of young athletes go thru so much week in and week out. Injuries are hard on the athletes as well as the families. So much more than just a game played on Saturday and Sunday. So much more!” wrote user Rik Hagarty.
Wheeler was placed on injured reserve by the Chicago Bears, which means he will be paid for being with the team this year but won’t make the active roster.
Ian Wheeler wrapped up his career as one of the league’s most dynamic players, finishing with nearly 2,500 all-purpose yards while returning a school-record three kickoffs for touchdowns. The former walk-on also shined in the classroom, earning a cumulative 3.57 GPA and being named to the MEAC Commissioner’s All-Academic Team. In October 2023, the Houston product was accepted into Howard University med school.
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