From ‘Oh, no’ to ‘Oh, my God, this is beautiful’: How Jakeem Grant’s record 97-yard punt-return touchdown unfolded for the Chicago Bears

Jakeem Grant estimated he watched the video of his 97-yard punt return for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers “probably a million times” in the last week. Messages from family and friends poured in with the replay, many with the same theme.

Ninety-seven yards! But also … 97 yards?

“He’s definitely got some guts,” Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet said last week.

Or as Grant’s friends put it: “Man, Jakeem, you’ve got to be nuts to have the courage or the confidence to catch it at the 3 and do what you did.”

Grant admitted some insanity was involved, but pregame motivation also played a part. A quick, smart decision was key to the return, as was a promise from a longtime teammate. Some big blocks from Bears special teamers paved the way. And then, of course, the speed