Ben Johnson Responds to Controversial Caleb Williams Report From ESPN

Everything has seemingly gone right for the Chicago Bears this offseason. They hired a new head coach in Ben Johnson, revamped the offensive line, signed key free agents, and crushed the NFL Draft. There’s even confirmation that the new Pope is a Bears fan. Needless to say, optimism is at an all-time high.

But just as the good vibes were peaking, ESPN released an excerpt from Seth Wickersham’s upcoming book, American Kings: A Biography of the Quarterback, which casts a troubling shadow over Caleb Williams and the Bears.

Wickersham’s Bombshell: Inside Caleb Williams Rocky Start

The most alarming revelation in Wickersham’s reporting involves Williams experience during his rookie season. According to the book, Williams told his father about a lack of structured support from the Bears coaching staff:

“At times, Williams said he would watch film alone, with no instruction or guidance from the coaches. ‘No one tells me what to watch,’ Caleb Williams told his dad. ‘I just turn it on.’”

That comment alone is enough to raise eyebrows—but it didn’t stop there. The book also claims that Caleb and his father tried to avoid Chicago entirely before the draft, even involving lawyers in an attempt get around the CBA along with possibly trying to orchestrate a draft-day maneuver similar to Eli Manning’s famous refusal to play for the Chargers in 2004.

You can read the full story on ESPN.

Understanding the Hesitation

While some may view this as a red flag, I don’t blame Caleb or his father. Given the Bears long-standing struggles with developing quarterbacks, it’s understandable they were against landing in Chicago. They weren’t trying to be difficult—they were trying to protect Caleb’s future. Ultimately, though, Caleb committed being in Chicago.

According to the ESPN report, by the end of the process, he was “all in” on being a Chicago Bear. And that’s what matters now.

Ben Johnson Responds

In a timely and telling interview on The Herd with Colin Cowherd, head coach Ben Johnson was asked directly about the ESPN story and how he plans to manage year one with his young quarterback. His response was as honest as it was encouraging:

“You talk about fears. I don’t see it quite the same way. I see it as, what a great opportunity we have to do something that really has never been done. There hasn’t been a 4,000-yard passer here in this franchise. I think Caleb’s going to be the first one — I see a chance for greatness here for him, 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.”

This is exactly the kind of leadership the Bears have been missing—and exactly the kind of support Caleb Williams needs.

Looking Ahead: A Crucial Year Two

Despite the timing of the story feeling a bit strange, its impact is undeniable. Year two was already a pivotal season for Caleb Williams—but now, the stakes feel even higher. Thankfully, there’s a new regime in place, and a clear message of alignment between the coach and quarterback. Now we get to see whether this fresh start delivers on all its promise—and how the next chapter in the Bears long quarterback saga will be written.

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