Bears' newest superstar named first rookie captain in team history

Expectations are high for the Chicago Bears in 2024, and a lot of that has to do with one new face in town.

Coming off a season where the Bears went 7-10, a four-win improvement from the season before, they were gifted the number-one pick thanks to the Carolina Panthers, who sent their 2024 first-rounder to the Bears in exchange for the rights to draft Bryce Young first overall.

In 2024, it's the Bears who have a rookie number-one pick coming to town in Caleb Williams. The 2022 Heisman Trophy winner was a made man from day one, having quickly been named the team's starting quarterback by head coach Matt Eberflus.

Now, Williams has another title to live up to in year one. The Bears announced on Monday that Williams would serve one of their eight team captains for the 2024 season.

The Bears also named wide receiver DJ Moore, tight ends Cole Kmet and Marcedes Lewis, cornerback Jaylon Johnson, safety Kevin Byard III, and linebackers Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards as captains.

According to Courtney Cronin of ESPN, Williams is believed to be the first rookie the Bears have named a season-long captain since the team officially began designating captains during the 2007 season.

Williams is also the only rookie quarterback this season thus far to earn a team captaincy. The Washington Commanders, who drafted Jayden Daniels with the second-overall pick, have announced that they will not have official team captains to start the 2024 season.

It was already going to be a pressure-packed season for Williams, but now there's a little more incentive to perform when wearing the captain's "C." The rookie will be in the spotlight all season, and the Bears hope he shines.

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