Bears Rookie CB Placed on NFI List to Treat PTSD After Heartbreaking Loss of Girlfriend

Posted August 28, 2025

Chicago, IL – August 27, 2025 – The Chicago Bears have finalized their 53-man roster, but the team also made a deeply human decision involving one of their rookies. Instead of joining teammates for his NFL debut, he has been placed on the Reserve/Non-Football Injury list with a season-ending designation.

The move follows the devastating loss of his longtime girlfriend, a tragedy that left him battling post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Rather than push him onto the field, the Bears prioritized his mental health, giving him the time and support to heal.

Inside Halas Hall, teammates and coaches offered their full backing. For a rookie cornerback who had fought through the draft process and early setbacks, the toughest battle he now faces is far removed from football.

That rookie is Zah Frazier, Chicago’s fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. On August 25, the Bears officially placed him on the NFI list with no expectation to play this season, confirming he will receive treatment while remaining with the team in meetings and workouts.

Frazier’s story had been one of promise — a 6-foot-4 defender with elite speed (4.36 40-yard dash) and a standout collegiate career at UAB. Drafted to provide depth in a secondary already thin after injuries, his sudden absence adds another challenge for the roster.

General Manager Ryan Poles acknowledged the heartbreaking circumstances, telling reporters: “It’s personal, and it’s bigger than football. We’re standing behind him, making sure he gets the care and support he needs.”

The loss of Frazier is felt beyond the depth chart. It serves as a reminder of the real-life struggles players carry, even while chasing NFL dreams. His teammates emphasized brotherhood, rallying around him during an unthinkable time.

While Frazier will not take the field in 2025, his journey now centers on recovery and healing. For the Bears, the move wasn’t about roster math — it was about compassion. And for Zah Frazier, every future step back will honor both the game he loves and the memory of someone he lost.

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