Caleb Williams’ Draft Drama Unfolds
When Caleb Williams was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears, many fans celebrated the dawn of a new era. But behind the scenes, the decision was far from unanimous—especially within the Williams household.
“Chicago Is Where QBs Go to Die”
That five-word bombshell came straight from Carl Williams, Caleb’s father, as revealed in Seth Wickersham’s new book American Kings: A Biography of the Quarterback. Carl reportedly opposed the draft system where “the worst team drafts the best player,” expressing deep concerns about Caleb being tied to a struggling franchise for potentially eight years.
The Bears’ Troubled QB Legacy
Chicago’s long-standing reputation for mismanaging quarterbacks added fuel to Carl’s fire. The franchise hasn’t produced a 4,000-yard passer in its 105-year history. From Mitch Trubisky to Justin Fields, the list of failed QB experiments is long, and that history made the Williams family uneasy.
Vikings Were the Preferred Destination
While the Bears held the top pick, Caleb Williams had his heart set on the Minnesota Vikings. After bonding with Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell during the NFL Combine, he told his father, “I need to go to the Vikings.” The family even considered pushing for a trade—or a shocking alternative.
A UFL Detour?
So determined were they to avoid Chicago that the Williams camp reportedly explored sending Caleb to the UFL instead of entering the draft. That’s how serious their doubts were about the Bears’ organizational direction and offensive setup under Shane Waldron, who was later fired midseason.
GM Ryan Poles Had Other Plans
Despite all the reservations, Bears general manager Ryan Poles was unwavering. He called Caleb before the draft and reportedly said, “We’re drafting you no matter what.” Faced with that reality, Caleb ultimately accepted his fate and embraced the challenge.
Rookie Season Recap
Caleb’s first year with Chicago ended with 3,541 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and 351 completions out of 562 attempts. Not bad for a QB who didn’t want to be there at first. Now, he’s on a mission to flip the Bears’ quarterback narrative for good.
Looking Ahead
While the Williams family once feared Chicago would be a career graveyard, Caleb now carries the weight of rewriting the script. If he succeeds, he won’t just be the face of the Bears—he’ll be the savior who defied the odds and revived a franchise haunted by decades of QB failure.