Looking back on the most iconic franchise in the history of this great league, there is no more storied of an organization than our very own Chicago Bears. So many greats have walked through the halls, raced all around Soldier Field and donned the navy and orange.
Undisputedly one of the greatest to ever do it, not only in a Bears uniform, but in any NFL uniform, is Hall of Fame linebacker Mike Singletary. As Bears fans know well, Singletary was not only a force on the field, but a genuine, kind human being off of it as well.
In that tone, it was a pleasure and honor to sit down with the man himself. Graciously giving FanSided some time on behalf of Athletes in Action and the Super Bowl Breakfast, Singletary spoke on a variety of topics and, as anyone does after engaging with him, I came away inspired.
One of the more relevant topics, of course, was none other than current Bears quarterback Caleb Williams. When asked about what he likes most about Williams, Singletary was quick to answer:
“It says a lot when there’s a pass missed or a route run the wrong way. I can see the frustration. But I can see him coming back together and getting back in the game ... there are a lot of quarterbacks in the league and they don’t have that fire and composure mixed together. And I think Caleb showed early on, he had that fire and composure mixed together.
Mike Singletary lauded Caleb Williams for his leadership and composure not too long after it was a popular criticism
It wasn't too long ago that Williams was often-criticized for his attitude or what some might have called a "lack of composure."
That criticism was misplaced, though, because all Williams had ever done, up to that point, was wear his heart on his sleeve. We seem to have misplaced emotion for an attitude problem, but that's never been Williams.
And, in Year 2, he showed more emotion than ever while also staying composed after mistakes, mishaps and in crunch time.
Singletary went on about the most impressive trait, in his eyes, when it comes to Williams.
"The biggest thing that I like, I like his leadership in the huddle. I like how guys are looking at his eyes and reading his body language. I felt like he has control of the situation ...there are guys who have been in the league, 8-9 years and I haven’t seen that from them yet. But to see it from Caleb Williams in his second year, I think that says a lot.”
We have high praise coming from one of the wisest and hard-nosed football players to ever play this game. Coming from a man who worked harder than just about anyone, and dug deep to bring out the best in himself, this phrase comes to mind: it takes one to know one.
Williams is the leader this Bears team has desperately coveted for so long. He's proven, in such a short time, that he has what it takes to lead a group of men, through good times and bad. Regardless of the circumstance, Williams has never once blinked. He's always exhibited the utmost faith in himself and his teammates.
And he owns the huddle. He owns the room. He is in full control.
To Singletary's point, that's a rare find for any quarterback these days; even those who have been around much longer.
Not everyone has "it."
But, if Iron Mike says Caleb has it, then I believe him.