Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams found himself in an uncomfortable—and arguably unnecessary—situation during a recent media session on Wednesday afternoon. A Bears reporter posed a question that has since drawn widespread criticism for its disrespectful tone. Williams was asked about the ESPN story that came out some time ago, which suggested he didn’t want to come to Chicago before the draft and that his father was actively trying to ensure he landed in the best possible situation. The reporter directly asked Williams whether his father “spoke for him”.
Reporter: “Caleb, does your dad speak for you?”
Caleb: [laughs] “No.”
Williams Responds With Poise
Despite the awkward question, Caleb Williams handled the situation like a veteran. He didn’t react defensively or lash out. Instead, he gave a calm and measured response. It’s exactly what you want to see in your quarterback.
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Williams showed he understands the weight of being a franchise quarterback. He didn’t take the bait, and in doing so, he reaffirmed why he’s trusted to lead this team moving forward and to change the narrative like he mentioned.
Final Thoughts
While the pressure to perform in Chicago is unlike most markets, Caleb Williams continues to prove he has the poise, professionalism, and leadership to rise above it. However, we in the media need to do a better job of how we ask questions to athletes. Williams doesn’t owe us anything—he’s a grown man.
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In Caleb’s case, I still see no reason why he had to address these stories just because people with microphones say that he has to. He was clearly aware of the situation he was stepping into. He had reservations like anyone with any brains would. He was ultimately proved right. Now the Bears moved on from that terrible coaching situation and the questions should really be addressed to Poles, who is getting a complete pass for having his team be 15-36, and for handing off the franchise QB to someone as unqualified as Eberfluss. To this day, Caleb has yet… Read more »
The NPR isn’t allowed in the White House because the White House is a chicken shit regime with no skin. They’re run by the anger of a 12 year old who wasn’t invited to the cool kids party. When you’re scared of questions, that speaks volumes about your character. In Caleb’s case, as he showed last year during the heights of the shit storm, he is often the only adult in the room.
Come on Dave, grow a pair and tell those reading WHO ASKED THE QUESTION if you think it’s such a problem!
I think Caleb’s initial reaction, the smirk, laugh and flash in his eyes said it all om all fronts of the sheer insulting implications of the way the question was phrased and the intended disruptive nature of the way the reporter asked the question. But I respect that Caleb so easily covered his initial fire and responded above and beyond the reporter’s intellect.
You know the question was going to be asked, but in that manner? Caleb answered that the best way possible. Halas Hall should strip whoever that was of his press pass like the Trumpdy regime did with the AP News.