Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams has been in the news a lot lately for comments he made before being drafted. Reports revealed how he was weighing his options ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft, as detailed in an excerpt from Seth Wickersham’s upcoming book, “American Kings: A Biography of the Quarterback.”
The book outlines how Williams and his father explored every possible scenario before the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner was eventually selected with the first overall pick in the 2024 draft.
Williams spoke to the media for the first time since last season during OTAs. He gave a lengthy opening statement addressing the story about his reported interest in avoiding the Bears before the draft.
From Rumors to Reality: Caleb Williams Clears the Air and Doubles Down on Chicago Bears
“For this to come out, it’s been a distraction, so coming up here and talking about it and addressing it is important today, so that’s what we’re here to do,” Williams said. “All that went down, all that was said, yeah, I had a visit at the other place, Minnesota, with Kevin O’Connell and his staff … after I came here, I went back home and talked to my dad.”
He went on to say that after visiting Chicago, he knew this was the place he wanted to be — and that he welcomed the chance to help turn things around.
“I wanted to come here and be the guy and be a part and be a reason why the Chicago Bears can turn this thing around. 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.”
Lengthy opening statement from Caleb Williams, who addresses the information about his rookie season that he called a “distraction” from the last 2 weeks and what he wants to emphasize about wanting to be in Chicago. pic.twitter.com/mxwEJpbDpA
— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) May 28, 2025
Williams had a rough rookie season. He completed 351 of 562 passes (62.5%) for 3,541 yards, with 20 touchdowns and six interceptions. He was also sacked a league-high 68 times. The Bears finished 30th in the league with a 64.0 Offense+ grade, and head coach Matt Eberflus was fired following their Thanksgiving loss.
Now, with Ben Johnson in as head coach, the team is hoping a fresh regime can get the most out of their young quarterback. The front office added offensive linemen Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, plus center Drew Dalman, to help protect Williams. With a more talented roster in place, the Bears are aiming to take a step forward in 2025.
