A forthcoming book, American Kings: A Biography of the Quarterback by ESPN’s Seth Wickersham, reveals that Caleb Williams and his father, Carl Williams, took extensive measures to avoid him being drafted by the Chicago Bears in 2024. Their efforts included considering a switch to the United Football League, exploring legal avenues to bypass the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement, and even contemplating avoiding the NFL draft entirely. Carl Williams was particularly outspoken, declaring, “Chicago is the place quarterbacks go to die,” and expressing a strong desire to steer his son away from the Bears. Caleb also expressed skepticism about then-offensive coordinator Shane Waldron and hoped to join the Minnesota Vikings instead. Despite these efforts, Bears GM Ryan Poles informed Williams of their plans to draft him regardless. After visiting the team facility, Caleb Williams grew more optimistic, asserting he could help turn the team around. Ultimately, he was drafted by the Bears, who ended the 2024 season with a 5-12 record. The book is set to be published in September 2025.
Williams’ rookie season with the Bears was challenging. He started all 17 games, finishing with 3,541 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and six interceptions. The Bears concluded the season 5-12, leading to coaching changes, including the hiring of Ben Johnson as head coach and Declan Doyle as offensive coordinator.
Despite initial reluctance, Williams eventually embraced joining the Bears, believing he could revitalize the struggling franchise. The coaching staff’s instability, including the eventual firing of offensive coordinator Shane Waldron and head coach Matt Eberflus, validated some of their concerns. Still, Williams committed to the team and its future.
The Bears and Vikings are set to open the 2025 season against each other on “Monday Night Football” at Soldier Field, adding another layer of intrigue to Williams’ journey.
