Caleb Williams Responds To Claims He Attempted To Steer Clear of Joining The Bears

 

In his first formal media appearance following the controversial release of excerpts from American Kings: A Biography of the Quarterback by Seth Wickersham, Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams directly confronted and clarified the swirling rumors about his draft intentions. According to the book, both Williams and his father, Carl Williams, allegedly sought to avoid Caleb being drafted by the Chicago Bears. These claims stirred considerable media attention and fan speculation, questioning the quarterback's commitment to the team that ultimately selected him No. 1 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Standing in front of the press at Halas Hall, Williams took the initiative to open with a four-minute prepared statement before taking any questions. He acknowledged the recent media firestorm, calling it a distraction, and said it was important to address the situation clearly and promptly to move forward as a team. Williams emphasized that he is fully focused on the present and determined to help the Bears progress and succeed.

Williams confirmed that he had a positive pre-draft visit with the Minnesota Vikings and praised their organization, specifically head coach Kevin O’Connell, who was named NFL Coach of the Year. However, he clarified the timeline of events, noting that he visited the Vikings before the Bears and that any discussions about possibly preferring another team were merely “thoughts” — not concrete plans or demands. He stressed that such considerations were part of a natural decision-making process any top prospect and their family might go through when evaluating their future, especially when there’s historical context to consider, such as a franchise’s past struggles with quarterback performance.

The young quarterback elaborated that, after visiting the Bears, he made a deliberate and confident decision to commit to Chicago. He expressed a sense of purpose and challenge in helping to turn around a franchise that has lacked consistency at the quarterback position, including never having had a 4,000-yard passer. Williams framed the opportunity as a unique and motivating situation, one that compelled him to want to be the player who helps reverse the team’s fortunes.

He acknowledged the Bears’ difficult history and the criticisms surrounding their quarterback legacy but described those obstacles as a driving factor behind his choice. Williams said that being part of the solution was appealing to him and that he embraced the challenge of playing in Chicago rather than avoiding it. He spoke with admiration for the team’s leadership, including General Manager Ryan Poles, President Kevin Warren, Head Coach Matt Eberflus, and Offensive Coordinator Shane Waldron. He also praised his new teammates, including wide receiver DJ Moore and newly added offensive lineman Joe Thuney, suggesting a sense of unity and shared vision within the organization.

Williams concluded his remarks by reiterating his love for Chicago, the Bears organization, and the teammates and staff who welcomed him. He reinforced that all previous hesitation attributed to him and his father were speculative “thoughts,” not actions, and that he is committed to helping the Bears rebuild and succeed. He recognized the weight of being the top overall draft pick and emphasized that everyone brought into the organization shares a common goal: to change the trajectory of the team and build something lasting.

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