Williams tried avoiding getting drafted by Bears, wanted Vikings

Caleb Williams and his family tried finding ways to avoid being drafted by the Chicago Bears in 2024 due to concerns about the franchise, according to the book "American Kings: A Biography of the Quarterback" by ESPN's Seth Wickersham.

Williams' father, Carl, was worried his son wouldn't be in an optimal environment for support due to the Bears' track record, the state of the offense under former head coach Matt Eberflus, and the uncertainty surrounding the Bears' stadium. Carl also told Wickersham prior to the 2024 NFL Draft that "Chicago is the place quarterbacks go to die" and told multiple agents he didn't want his son playing for the Bears.

The quarterback's father also met with labor lawyers and agents to see if there was a way around the NFL's collective bargaining agreement. He pondered whether Williams could sign with the United Football League and move to the NFL in 2025 as a free agent so he could sign anywhere. Carl also spoke with Archie Manning, the father of Eli, who famously refused to play for the then-San Diego Chargers before the 2004 draft.

Williams apparently told confidants that he was unsure whether he could work with former Bears offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, even telling his father he needed to play for the Vikings after meeting with head coach Kevin O'Connell at the NFL combine.

However, Bears general manager Ryan Poles was adamant the franchise would select Williams "no matter what." Despite considerations about publicly bashing the club and Chicago to force the team's hand, Williams changed his tune after a positive pre-draft visit to the team's facility. He told Wickersham he "wasn't ready to nuke the city."

Williams had a turbulent rookie season after being picked first overall by the Bears. He completed 62.5% of his passes for 3,541 yards, 20 touchdowns, and six interceptions but was sacked a league-high 68 times. Chicago struggled to a 5-12 record and fired Eberflus after 12 games, marking the first time the franchise has ever terminated a coach midseason. Waldron was also fired after nine games.

Williams revealed he sometimes wouldn't receive instructions on what film to watch during his rookie campaign, leading to solo study sessions.

The 23-year-old passer enters the 2025 season paired with new Bears head coach Ben Johnson, who was renowned for his work as the Detroit Lions' offensive coordinator.

Chicago's new sideline boss downplayed Williams' comments from Wickersham's book.

"I don't know what's gone on prior to him joining the organization, but he is very proud to be a Chicago Bear," Johnson said during an appearance on "The Herd", according to Jeremy Bergman of NFL.com. "He's really excited to get to work right now and be the best version of himself for 2025."