Press conferences in May typically don’t carry the weight and anticipation that Wednesday’s media session at Halas Hall with Caleb Williams did.
On May 15, excerpts from Seth Wickersham's upcoming book revealed that Williams had concerns about being drafted by the Chicago Bears. The book also included quotes highlighting the dysfunction the franchise has had with quarterbacks in the past. It wasn’t until 13 days later that Williams addressed those details that were shared all across the sporting world.
In his 14:34-minute press conference, which began with a lengthy opening statement, Williams handled himself like a veteran and put out the fire that he and his camp created when they spoke to Wickersham.
“We’re focused on the present, we’re focused on now, we’re focused on trying to get this ship moving in the right direction, and I think so far that’s what we’ve been doing,” Williams said. “But for this to come out, it’s been a distraction, so coming up here and talking about it and addressing it is important today, so that’s what we’re here to do.”
And for Williams, that meant addressing all the different details that were shared. Like his interest in the Minnesota Vikings. Williams spoke honestly about the organization and head coach Kevin O’Connell, stating that he had just won the Coach of the Year award.
When it came to the reservations about the organization’s history at the quarterback position, Williams highlighted that no quarterback has ever passed for 4,000 yards, and Williams said, “It’s a fact.”
The 23-year-old quarterback admitted that it was fair to have those thoughts, but despite concerns about the franchise and what Williams experienced in his rookie season, he still wanted to be a part of the organization.
“I think that was enticing,” Williams said. “I think that was something that was glaring to me that I wanted to come here and be the guy and be a part and be a reason why the Chicago Bears turn this thing around. That last thing that was said in all of that I think is the most important thing is that I wanted to be here. I love being here, I love my teammates, I love all the people that got me here, family, friends, Ryan (Poles), Kevin (Warren), Flus (Matt Eberflus) and Shane (Waldron) and all those guys that went through that process with me to get me here.”
Caleb Williams' provided a firm end to his latest drama.
Williams is serious about wanting to change the track record of the Bears’ franchise, but he did find opportunities in his press conference to smile and laugh about some of the details that were revealed about him in the upcoming book. In the article about Wickersham’s book, there is a section that shared what Williams’ experience was like watching game film, and Williams told his dad, “No one tells me what to watch.”
“That was a funny one that came out,” Williams said. “It wasn’t that I didn’t know how to watch film. It was more or less the sense of learning shortcuts in the sense of– or not learning shortcuts, but learning ways to watch film and be more efficient. Learning ways to pick up things better. …”
Williams and the Bears are in a better place now after Wednesday’s press conference, and the focus can shift back to what is happening on the field. But this non-story, story will come up again. Wickersham’s book is set to be published the day after the Bears’ home opener against the Vikings on Monday Night Football.
Williams isn’t worried about the book being a distraction and wasn’t curious to know what other details would be revealed. Before leaving the podium, Williams ended the press conference as he always has since joining the team with his signature, “Da Bears,” the team he plays for, and the organization that he wants to change for the better moving forward.