According to journalist Seth Wickersham’s new book, “American Kings: A Biography of the Quarterback,” Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams and his family considered skipping the NFL Draft entirely to avoid being selected by the Bears.
While Williams and his reps likely didn’t want that information getting out, it hasn’t rattled new Bears head coach Ben Johnson. He’s focused on the future and seems confident about building around the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner.
Chicago Bears Head Coach Ben Johnson Gets Brutally Honest on Caleb Williams
When asked about Williams’ fears about the history of Chicago’s offense during an interview on “The Herd with Colin Cowherd,” Johnson didn’t hold back. Instead of worrying about what happened before the draft, he focused on the opportunity ahead.
“You talk about fears. I don’t see it quite the same way,” Johnson said. “I see this as a great opportunity we have to do something that really has never been done.”
Ben Johnson responds to the article on ESPN regarding Caleb Williams pic.twitter.com/1nsCSCEMb9
— Dave (@dave_bfr)
Johnson even made a bold prediction for Williams’ future in Chicago.
“There hasn’t been a 4,000-yard passer here at this franchise, and I think Caleb (Williams) is going to be the first one,” Johnson said. “One of many years, many seasons to come where he’s able to accomplish that feat.”
He continued praising Williams’ mindset and excitement about being part of the team.
“I see a chance for greatness here for him,” Johnson added. “He’s been communicated to that way and he feels the same way. I don’t know what’s gone on prior to him joining the organization, but he’s very proud to be a Chicago Bear.”
Johnson Expects Williams to Be ‘Best Version of Himself in 2025’
According to Johnson, Williams is “really excited to get to work right now, to be the best version of himself for 2025.” But the Bears coach was quick to remind fans that growth isn’t always a straight line.
“There’s no question we’re going to face adversity,” Johnson said. “We want to see growth from here to here over the course of the season, but it’s not going to be linear growth. There’s going to be a little bit of ups and downs … but we want to see from game one to game seventeen that we’re getting better as a whole.”
Last season, Williams ranked 33rd out of 39 qualifying quarterbacks in PFSN’s QB+ metric. Only Will Levis, Gardner Minshew II, Cooper Rush, Anthony Richardson, Spencer Rattler, and Deshaun Watson finished lower.
While Johnson isn’t promising a Pro Bowl season right away, he believes in the long-term upside. Even small signs of improvement in 2025 would show that Williams is headed in the right direction. For a Bears team desperate for a star quarterback, that kind of progress would be a big win.