LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — During the quiet moments away from Halas Hall and the demanding work, Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams has reminded himself of the purpose behind this process.
The 22-year-old Williams has been challenged by his new Bears coaches, tested by veteran teammates and relied upon as a leader despite being a rookie who's just beginning his professional career. But it’s all because the Bears believe greatness lies ahead – collectively and for Williams.
“There’s a light at the end of that tunnel,” Williams said Thursday as he looked ahead to his rookie season. “Right now, we’re working with our head down and we’re building. Just having that moment with myself – I do it every day – as I sit there and say, ‘We’re going to be pretty damn good.’ We just got to keep working, keep going.”
Williams has an offensive core around him that includes dynamic running back D’Andre Swift, six-time Pro Bowl receiver Keenan Allen, returning No. 1 receiver DJ Moore, rookie receiver Rome Odunze and reliable tight end Cole Kmet. The Bears also boast a defense they believe will be a top-five unit this season.
The No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Williams became the clear choice for the Bears as they formed plans for a franchise-altering decision. With the Bears hoping to emerge as a contender in 2024 – and a roster ready to win following two rebuilding seasons – Williams was named the team’s starting quarterback before he ever took to the practice field at Halas Hall.
The Bears understand they'll need patience amid Williams' gradual development. Williams has struggled with pre-snap cadence in recent practices given that he worked on silent counts all throughout college. The starting offense has dealt with false starts and pre-snap penalties as a result, which is understandable in early June.
But what has struck Williams’ teammates through the offseason program is his drive to be great and his competitive desire – whether it’s during a rep in practice or a game at Topgolf . The Bears have made sure to pick up Williams and guide him forward.
"He wants to be remembered for a very long time,” Kmet said. “So, I think he’s ready for this opportunity. He just has the demeanor about him that you have to have, feeling like he can succeed here for sure."
On Thursday morning, the Bears concluded their three-day veteran minicamp at Halas Hall as most of the team broke for the summer. Williams and the fellow rookies will remain in Lake Forest next week for a portion of OTAs extended to just first-year players. The team will then report for training camp on July 19.
Williams will be in the spotlight once training camp begins, and the demands will only become greater as he leads the Bears through a season filled with renewed hope. He'll be counted on to rise to the occasion as a rookie.
Motivated by what lies ahead, Williams is pushing himself while the Bears stand behind him along the way.
“Them just believing,” Williams said. “Seeing the vision that we all have and being graceful with me knowing that I’m pretty tough on myself, but they see right through it and understand it. It’s been big for me having these guys around me.
“I have my own goals set for myself, and that’s to be perfect. Obviously, you strive for something like that and you don’t ever reach it, but you keep striving for it.”
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 .
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