“First day in and challenging us”: Caleb Williams praises Ben Johnson’s energy in Chicago

Caleb Williams had a tough rookie season for the Chicago Bears in 2024. The 2022 Heisman Trophy winner and the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL draft is back once again to try to win over Chicago, and he's made the first step toward establishing a relationship with new coach Ben Johnson.

In a video posted on Tuesday on the Chicago Bears' YouTube channel, Williams gave his take on the Bears offseason and Johnson.

"Today we had our first quiz as a QB room," Williams said (Timestamp: 42:40). "And it’s not like a real quiz bee where you go up and write stuff. It’s just us, we went over a few things yesterday, talked about a few things.

And Ben walked in this morning, flung open the door, made a grand entrance, and then we got to work of him testing us about what we talked about yesterday and things like that. So, already first day in and challenging us. And everybody loves a challenge in this sport.

It’s one of the great things about the sport — every day is a challenge. And today, we got our first one.”

Williams also said he feels a strong connection with Johnson, similar to when he first met coach Lincoln Riley.

Caleb Williams embraces growth with new coach Ben Johnson

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"Us growing together is key. Starting now. Him pushing me is key. I know that, and he knows that," Williams said Tuesday (Timestamp: 45:15).

Caleb Williams had a mixed rookie season. The potential was there for everyone to see despite struggles, but his gameplay failed to convert wins. However, Williams is now focused on learning from his mistakes.

"I'm super excited about it," Williams said. "Being able to be in this position, being able to have a first year the way I did — ups and downs — and then to be able to come in here as confident as I was last year or possibly even more and to be able to get here with the group that we have, I really can't wait to get to work with these guys."

The 23-year-old is learning the new offense, focusing on play-calling and under-center snaps. He’s confident improvement will help the team and trusts Johnson to guide his development.