Caleb Williams’ rookie campaign with the Chicago Bears didn’t exactly go according to plan in 2024, as the team struggled on their way to a 5-12 record. A report emerged on Thursday suggesting that Williams attempted to find a way to prevent himself from getting picked by the Bears in the 2024 NFL draft, leading to him getting bashed by former NFL MVP Boomer Esiason.
The rumors surrounding Williams suggested that he and his family contemplated blowing up the 2024 draft in an effort to prevent him from landing in Chicago. Williams’ father believed that the Bears are “where quarterbacks go to die,” and Caleb himself was skeptical of working with former offensive coordinator Shane Waldron and head coach Matt Eberflus.
At the end of the day, Williams decided against this path, and decided to try to help the Bears out. While fans noted that Williams ended up accurately predicting a season of dismay with Chicago, Esiason called him out and accused him, not Eberflus, of being the reason for the Bears rough 2024 campaign.
“It’s no wonder why he failed initially, and it’s no wonder why the coach got fired,” Esiason said on WFAN Sports Radio. “Keep your pie hole shut and go out and play football and earn your keep and earn your respect.”
Boomer went off on Caleb Williams amid reports that he wanted to avoid the Bears to the point where he and his family looked to sidestep the CBA ? pic.twitter.com/Tk6N1zQXSa
— WFAN Sports Radio (@WFAN660) May 16, 2025
Williams ended up getting selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 draft, and he started all 17 games for the team, throwing for 3,541 yards and 20 touchdowns. Chicago has gone out and revamped their coaching staff, bringing in former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to be the team’s new head coach, so all eyes will be on Williams to see if he can take a step forward in 2025.
