Bears' Williams shed 'a few tears' during rookie season
Quarterback Caleb Williams admitted that the Chicago Bears' 5-12 record in his rookie season took a significant toll on him, especially some of their late-season losses.
"When I got home, I got in my bed. I just dropped a few tears," Williams told Esquire's Brian O'Keefe. "And I was just so beat-up mentally, physically, spiritually."
The 2024 No. 1 overall pick said he hadn't experienced that kind of losing prior to turning pro.
"I've never lost this much," Williams said.
The Bears got off to a 4-2 start but then lost 11 consecutive games. Williams was hauled down for a league-high 68 sacks in his rookie campaign. The USC product passed for 3,541 yards, 20 touchdowns, and six interceptions with a 62.5% completion rate.
"I think those losses were pretty important for me and my growth," Williams said. "To go on a losing streak, to be in this position and be at the helm of it, was definitely important for me. Just being able to see how I need to be when times are bad."
Chicago acquired veteran offensive linemen Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson, and Drew Dalman this offseason to fortify the offensive line. Meanwhile, the team brings back a potent pass-catching group led by DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, and Cole Kmet.
The Bears also hired former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as head coach in January. The 38-year-old offensive play-caller will work alongside Williams to improve an attack that finished 31st in passing yards per game (181.5) and last in total offense (284.6) last year.
"Ben and I, we've been working on our relationship. I've asked him a boatload of questions," Williams said. "He's probably already tired of me, but I think it's going to be great. The plan is to keep Ben and me together for a long, long time."
The 2022 Heisman Trophy winner specifically flagged his processing, comfort with checkdown passes, and footwork as the areas he can improve the most as he seeks to avoid a repeat of the 2024 season.
"I'm going to work my tail off to never be in that situation again," Williams said.