Caleb Williams has impressed the Chicago Bears with both his on-field skills and his charismatic personality. Because of this, the No. 1 overall draft pick will start his rookie season as one of the team’s captains.
The 2022 Heisman Trophy winner from Southern California was chosen as one of eight captains by his teammates, the Bears announced on Monday.
“He went out there and proved himself, took command of the offense,” receiver DJ Moore said. “He started opening up. People say that and we’re rocking with him.”
The Bears are relying on Williams to help lead the team to success and strengthen a position that has been weak for Chicago. The first challenge will be the opener against Tennessee at Soldier Field on Sunday. Chicago has made only three playoff appearances since the 2006 Super Bowl season.
Williams’ arrival is a big reason why the Bears are aiming higher after a combined 10-24 record in the first two seasons under general manager Ryan Poles and coach Matt Eberflus.
The Bears traded former quarterback Justin Fields to Pittsburgh and gave the starting role to Williams after he had impressive performances at Oklahoma and USC. In college, he threw for 93 touchdowns with 14 interceptions, including 72 TD passes and only 10 interceptions in two years with the Trojans.
Williams, who grew up in Washington, D.C., and shone in Hollywood, has been winning over Chicago fans since he was drafted. He has even introduced a new pose to fans, making a claw with his hand and snarling like a bear whenever the camera is on him in public.
His athleticism and precise throws during practices and preseason games have caught attention. Reviews of his work ethic and leadership from Halas Hall have been very positive. So, it might not be surprising that he is a captain, even though it is unusual for a rookie.
“He just keeps coming in here and being exactly what we want,” star cornerback Jaylon Johnson said. “I feel like we understand why we brought him here, and he keeps doing just that. He continues to live up to our expectations and raise his own standards.
I think it’s a positive step for him. I’m not surprised that he’s starting as QB1.” The Bears clearly expect Williams to start delivering results quickly. But it’s not all his responsibility.
They made several big moves in the offseason, including trading with the Los Angeles Chargers to get six-time Pro Bowl receiver Keenan Allen.
They also selected Rome Odunze with the No. 9 overall pick, adding another potential playmaker at wide receiver. Chicago also has two tight ends who can catch passes: Cole Kmet, who is returning, and Gerald Everett, who is new to the team.
With a defense that began to improve last year after trading for edge rusher Montez Sweat, the Bears are aiming for their first playoff appearance since the 2020 season. This is a significant change from recent years.
“We knew it was going to be tough,” Eberflus said. “We laid out the plan for what it would take, setting the foundation for our standards and how we operate as a football team.
And how to bring the team together. That’s the key, and we’ve always been united, even if the wins didn’t come right away. We’ve always played together and played the right way. With added talent and being in Year 3, we should see a good performance on the field now.”
