Caleb Williams Finally Clarifies Pre-Draft Allegations of Favoring Vikings over Bears

Caleb Williams dismissed the theory that he didn't want the Bears to draft him so he could play for the Vikings.

Caleb Williams Finally Clarifies Pre-Draft Allegations of Favoring Vikings over Bears

Calen Williams (Image via IMAGO)

Caleb Williams realized he had long enough to address the chatter about preferring the Minnesota Vikings over the Chicago Bears during pre-draft visits. The second-year quarterback insisted that it was in the past and is focused on making the Bears a better team than in his rookie season.

ESPN veteran Seth Wickersham’s new book, American Kings: A Biography of the Quarterback, reignited Williams’ father’s previous sentiments regarding the Bears and the city of Chicago. Wickersham quoted Carl saying that “Chicago is a place where quarterbacks go to die.”

It caught everyone by surprise. The timing of the leak was not favorable for Williams. He was coming off a rough rookie season and had only started to turn a new leaf. However, the report raised questions about the 23-year-old’s commitment to the NFC North franchise.

Williams addressed the concerns after Wednesday’s practice. He reassured Bears fans that it was his decision to play for the Bears.

I wanted to come here and be the guy and a be a part and be a reason why the Chicago Bears turn this thing around. That last thing that was said in all of that I think was the most important thing is that I wanted to be here. I love being here. I love my teammates.

Caleb Williams said

Williams reportedly went to the Vikings’ facility during the pre-draft visit. He admired the atmosphere and the style of football that head coach Kevin O’Connell promotes.

The Bears, on the other hand, refused to trade their number one overall pick. They didn’t want to give up on the chance to sign the best quarterback prospect in the draft.

Williams went to Chicago while the Vikings drafted Michigan’s JJ McCarthy and signed Sam Darnold. Williams claimed that the outcome didn’t bother him back then, and his heart hasn’t changed. He is fully committed to the Bears’ cause.

We’re focused on the present, we’re focused on now, we’re focused on trying to get this ship moving in the right direction.

Caleb Williams added

Caleb Williams is benefiting from the presence of a veteran quarterback in the building

According to new head coach Ben Johnson, Williams has acted like a true professional during the start of the second year of his offseason. He is grasping the playbook very quickly while learning from 13-year veteran Case Keenum.

Caleb Williams Finally Clarifies Pre-Draft Allegations of Favoring Vikings over Bears
Caleb Williams (Image via IMAGO)

Keenum’s addition to the Bears roster was a strategic decision from Johnson. He has never worked with a journeyman quarterback, but many coaches recommended that the 37-year-old has great character for the younger players to learn from.

The former Texans and Vikings quarterback praised Caleb Williams’ work ethic. He called Williams ‘a sponge,’ soaking in every detail during practices.

That’s the type of guy he is. He wants it that bad.

Case Keenum said. (ht/Chicago Bears official transcript)

Williams needs all the help he can get to prove he is the right man for the Bears job. Johnson and general manager Ryan Poles added Super Bowl winner Joe Thuney to protect the most-sacked quarterback last year (68). Olamide Zaccheus, the seventh-year veteran receiver who caught passes from Jayden Daniels last year, was signed. He averaged eight yards per catch, ending with 500+ yards and 3 touchdowns.

The Bears finished 5-12 in 2024, but Williams showed flashes of brilliance. He threw 351 completions for 3541 yards, 20 touchdowns, and just 6 interceptions.

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