Ian Rapoport Promises One QB Will Have ‘Miserable’ 2025 NFL Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Thad Brown | Last updated Apr 9, 2025 8:56 AM ET

NFL insider Ian Rapoport isn’t usually one for bold proclamations, but when it comes to Caleb Williams’ 2025 outlook, he didn’t hold back.

During Wednesday morning’s episode of NFL Network’s "Good Morning Football", Rapoport predicted that Chicago Bears quarterback and former No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams is in for a “miserable” season under new head coach Ben Johnson — and it has nothing to do with stats or box scores.

It’s about everything happening behind the scenes.

“I don’t know if he truly understands what it’s going to be like,” Rapoport said, pointing to the challenges of playing under Johnson’s demanding style.

In-studio on @GMFB: #Bears QB Caleb Williams may be miserable this year... and that's a good thing. pic.twitter.com/36ZdaMMHPj
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 9, 2025

Williams is coming off a rookie season that showed real flashes of stardom, throwing for 3,541 yards, 20 touchdowns, and only six interceptions — while also rushing for 489 yards.

He broke multiple Bears rookie records and went nearly three months without throwing a pick. But the team still finished 5-12, fired former head coach Matt Eberflus midseason, and turned to Johnson this offseason to reset the culture.

“To be one of the actual greats — which his talent should allow him to be — it’s going to be really miserable,” Rapoport added. “Is Ben Johnson the most pleasant person to be around during the season? I don’t think he is.”

Johnson, the mastermind behind Detroit’s explosive offense last season (33.2 points per game), is known for being demanding — and Rapoport warned that Williams might not be fully ready for the grind that’s coming.

“I don’t even know right now if Caleb Williams understands that, like, on a Monday night in November, it’s going to suck.”

The Bears believe this new pairing will jumpstart a new era. But if Rapoport’s right, it won’t come without growing pains.

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

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