Inside the Secret Strategy: How Caleb Williams and His Father Aimed to Bypass the Bears in the NFL Draft

Caleb Williams had a rocky relationship with the Chicago Bears as the 2022 NFL draft approached. The Heisman Trophy winner and his father, Carl, were anxious about landing with a team that struggled with quarterbacks. They even considered creative ways to influence where Caleb would go, as shared in the upcoming book American Kings: A Biography of the Quarterback by ESPN’s Seth Wickersham.

According to the book, the Williams family sought legal advice to navigate the NFL’s rules, looked into signing with the United Football League, and even thought about criticizing the Bears publicly. Carl expressed his doubts about Chicago, saying, "Chicago is the place quarterbacks go to die."

Despite their concerns, Caleb said he would embrace the challenge of joining the Bears. After visiting the team’s facility, he felt optimistic about turning things around. "I can do it for this team," he told his father.

Caleb’s rookie season started rough. He threw for 20 touchdowns but had six interceptions and took an alarming 68 sacks. The Bears faced a tough ride, ending the season with a 10-game losing streak and a 5-12 record. The coaching staff saw significant changes, with the team parting ways with their offensive coordinator mid-season and firing head coach Matt Eberflus soon after.

In a fresh start, the Bears hired Ben Johnson, formerly the offensive coordinator for the Lions, as their new head coach. The team also brought in Declan Doyle, who has experience with teams like the Saints and Broncos, as the offensive coordinator.

The struggles of the Bears reflect a larger trend in the NFL where teams must adapt quickly or face serious setbacks. According to a recent survey, 64% of fans believe strong coaching is essential for a quarterback’s success. This highlights the pressure Caleb Williams will face as he tries to navigate his career in a franchise with a history of quarterback challenges.

For further insights into the NFL and its dynamics, you can check ESPN’s coverage here.

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