Three Things We Learned From Bears Quarterback Caleb Williams' Press Conference

Caleb Didn't Deny Any of the Reporting

While he did state that several things were taken out of context and possibly a few omissions, Williams did not flat-out deny any of the sentiments portrayed by Wickersham, from him or his father. He openly discussed his meeting with Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell and expressed his impression of the coaching staff. He also acknowledged that these "thoughts" did exist, and even that "ideas" were discussed about a potential future that didn't include the Chicago Bears. However, he was quick to point out that once he arrived in Chicago and met with the leadership team, he wanted to be a Chicago Bear. 

“After I came on my visit here, it was a … deliberate and determined answer that I wanted to come here,” Williams said. “I wanted to be here. I love being here.”

While Williams may not have denied anything in the report, he was clear in his frustration with the timing of this story, and repeated his stance on moving forward with the team he has now.

Caleb is His Own Man

Perhaps one of the strangest questions asked was, "Caleb, does your dad speak for you?" This elicited a chuckle from Williams, followed by a quick "No". Carl Williams, Caleb's father, is quoted and cited several times in the book, making it clear that he did not believe the Chicago Bears were the right place for his son to be successful in the NFL. While Williams did praise his parents for their success and advice throughout the years, he was very clear that he makes his own decisions.

“I shut him down quite a bit,” Williams said with a smile. “He has ideas, and he’s a smart man, so I listen. I always listen. I’m very fortunate to be in this position in the sense of playing quarterback, but also very fortunate to have a very strong-minded father. We talk very often, my mom and my dad are my best friends, so being able to have conversations with them to understand that everything they say is also portrayed on me.”

Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson Are On The Same Page 

Before Williams addressed the media, his head coach, Ben Johnson, answered questions about the book, mainly discussing how to embrace the challenge presented. On Wednesday, Williams echoed similar sentiments about the expectations surrounding the number one pick, which involves turning franchises around, including being the first 4,000-yard passer in franchise history.

“I wanted to come here and be the guy and be a part and be a reason why the Chicago Bears turn this thing around,” he said. “That last thing that was said in all of that, I think, is the most important thing: I wanted to be here.”

Williams discussed how focused Johnson is already and used the word 'consistent' several times when describing the demeanor of his head coach. He even joked about "the Ben Johnson effect" when asked about how that mindset is being delivered to the rest of the team. Williams discussed how the little things and details matter to Johnson, and therefore, matter to the team.

A stark difference from last year's training camp.