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Former NFL MVP Sends Blunt Caleb Williams Message

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Lorenzo J. Reyna | Last updated May 18, 2025 4:24 PM ET

USC Trojans legend Caleb Williams received staunch criticism from a former NFL Most Valuable Player. All in the wake of the scathing ESPN report about Williams' rookie season behind the scenes.

That ex-MVP turned media personality even sent a blunt message to Williams. Especially as the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner transitions to offensive guru Ben Johnson.

Former Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Boomer Esiason ripped into Williams following the book released by ESPN's Seth Wickersham. Esiason also blasted Williams' father, who's mentioned in Wickersham's book about attempting to sway Williams' NFL career -- including trying to avoid landing in Chicago.

But the 1988 MVP fired off this message to the Chicago Bears QB1.

"It's going to be on his ass to live up to these so-called lofty expectations that he has for himself and that his father has for his son," Esiason said on his morning radio show Friday on WFAN.

Williams father is quoted saying Chicago is where "quarterbacks got to die" in the ESPN book. Esiason showed little sympathy for how quarterback careers go in the Windy City.

"I understand that there could be a discussion that (Chicago) could be a place where quarterbacks go to die, but go fix it," Esiason said. "Be the reason that the team is going to turn it around and be the player that you think you are."

Another words, the former AFC winning QB is telling Williams to change the fortunes of the franchise himself.

Williams endured a rough introduction into the league. The high-profile '24 rookie and top overall pick witnessed an in-season coaching change. Now Johnson steps in for the fired Matt Eberflus.

Still, Esiason believes the Johnson move was to benefit the USC icon Williams. Now he demands the QB rises to the expectations Williams has placed onto himself.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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