LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams stepped into the spotlight on Wednesday, keen to clarify his commitment to the franchise that made him the No. 1 overall pick in 2024. Following the team’s second OTA practice open to the media, Williams delivered a heartfelt address that dug deep into his thoughts on his new team, particularly considering the buzz around excerpts from Seth Wickersham’s forthcoming book, “American Kings: A Biography of the Quarterback.”
In these excerpts, it was suggested that Williams and his father, Carl, contemplated various pathways to steer clear of joining the Bears. However, Williams is ready to put those notions to rest. He expressed that the book and its revelations have become a “distraction” over the last couple of weeks, and he wanted to address these issues head-on for the first time.
During his nearly four-minute news conference, the 23-year-old quarterback addressed the Bears’ tumultuous history at the quarterback position, candidly noting, “As everybody knows, it’s a fact that quarterback play, there hasn’t been a 4,000-yard passer [in Chicago].” While he didn’t shy away from acknowledging his initial skepticism about the Bears’ ability to develop talent at the quarterback spot, he emphasized a shift in perspective after his visits to the organization in April 2024. Despite his prior preferences, including an inclination toward joining the Minnesota Vikings, his time with the Bears solidified his desire to don the navy and orange.
“I wanted to come here and be the guy and be a part and be a reason why the Chicago Bears turn this thing around,” Williams said, adding that his love for the city and the team drove his decision. “That last thing that was said in all of that I think is the most important thing is that I wanted to be here. I love being here.”
In his rookie season, Williams faced significant challenges; the Bears finished with a 5-12 record. The year highlighted the volatility of the coaching staff as offensive coordinator Shane Waldron was let go in Week 11, followed closely by the departure of head coach Matt Eberflus. Nevertheless, Williams showcased his potential, throwing for 3,541 yards, notching 20 touchdowns against just 6 interceptions, and finishing with franchise records that affirmed his talent despite the team’s overall struggles. He did, however, endure a league-high 68 sacks and a QBR that ranked him 31st with a 46.7.
Addressing his father’s more pessimistic view that “Chicago is the place quarterbacks go to die,” Williams reiterated his independence. “Actually, I shut my dad down quite a bit,” he said, acknowledging the strong bond and frequent discussions they share. “He cares so much about me and my future, and we have been along this journey so long together; all he wants is the best for me.” Williams noted that while his father’s advice is valuable, he ultimately charted his own path.
The upcoming book further delves into the disconnect Williams felt with the previous coaching staff, revealing instances where he would watch film in isolation, lacking direction from his coaches. “No one tells me what to watch,” Williams said with a lighthearted tone. He clarified that his solitary study sessions were about learning efficiency in film review rather than an inability to comprehend the material. “It was more or less the sense of … learning ways to watch film and be more efficient,” he explained.
As the Bears look ahead, coach Ben Johnson is determined to reshape the perception surrounding quarterback development in Chicago. A focal point will be honing Williams’ body language during games. “There’s adversity that’s going to hit every team every season,” Johnson remarked, emphasizing the need for resilience. “You don’t know when it’s going to happen. We might lose a few games. We might have some turnovers… We learn from it, we grow and we move on. Our body language needs to reflect that as well.”
Williams’ journey ahead is marked by hope and determination, as he strives to be the quarterback who not only breaks records but also helps reshape the narrative around the Bears’ storied franchise. The Bears, once again, have their eyes set on a promising future with a quarterback ready to lead them through both challenges and triumphs.
