When the Chicago Bears selected Caleb Williams first overall in 2024, they couldn’t have predicted the chaos that would follow. The highly touted prospect was seen as a potential savior for Chicago—someone who could finally turn the franchise around after years of disappointment. But through no fault of his own, the Bears fell far short of any kind of turnaround.
Caleb Williams and Bears Not on Same Page—Let Alone the Same Book
The lack of support Williams faced in his rookie season has fans outraged. Recent reports revealed that the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner never wanted to land in Chicago at all. The details were uncovered in ESPN writer Seth Wickersham’s book, “American Kings: A Biography of the Quarterback.”
The book outlines events leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft, including Williams’ efforts to avoid being selected by the Bears. Ultimately, the 6-foot-1 quarterback couldn’t avoid it and ended up in “the place quarterbacks go to die,” according to his father, Carl Williams. With a full management overhaul this offseason, Williams isn’t finished yet—even if his rookie year, under a now-departed head coach and offensive coordinator, set him up for failure.
Wickersham’s book also describes Williams sitting through film sessions alone, with no guidance from his coaches. According to the quarterback, he’d turn the film on and just watch — left to figure things out by himself.
NFL Fans React to Williams News on Social Media
“Absolutely wild. Insane malpractice,” one fan wrote.
Absolutely wild. Insane malpractice
— Alex NFL (@ajjnfl)
That fan isn’t alone. With over 450,000 views on the original post, the reaction to the reports has been overwhelming disbelief.
“This is straight negligence if true. Was Waldron on PTO?” another user asked.
This is straight negligence if true. Was Waldron on PTO?
— mecosta (@mecosta78)
Williams played in 12 games as a rookie, including all 10 of the Bears’ season-ending losing streak. He was sacked 68 times and threw six interceptions. While most fan reactions have centered on how poorly he was treated, others think Williams is just making excuses.
“Any more excuses for this guy?” one user wrote.
Any more excuses for this guy?
— Joe D (@jojohurricanes)
“Sounds like no acknowledgment of self-reflection either, though—just pointing the finger at everyone else,” said another fan.
Sounds like no acknowledgement of self reflection either though just pointing the finger at everyone else
— Brian Wiz (@BrianWiz69)
Some fans were so shocked by the story that they questioned whether the quotes were even real.
“There’s actually no way this quote is true,” one fan said.
There’s actually no way this quote is true
— E (@E674419669880)
“No way y’all actually believe this… come on man lmao,” added another.
No way y’all actually believe this… come on man lmao
— Bubba (@ShaiToven)
Whether Williams’ account is fact or fiction, his version of the story is now public. Entering 2025, head coach Matt Eberflus and offensive coordinator Shane Waldron have moved on to the Dallas Cowboys and Jacksonville Jaguars, respectively.
That leaves the second-year quarterback with a clean slate under new head coach Ben Johnson and offensive coordinator Declan Doyle. The Bears appear to be taking a more serious approach to building around Williams this time.
Chicago added Colston Loveland, Luther Burden III, and Kyle Monangai in the 2025 NFL Draft, signaling a strong commitment to giving their young quarterback better weapons. They also addressed the offensive line by drafting Ozzy Trapilo and Luke Newman.