LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) – Bears quarterback Caleb Williams on Wednesday emphasized that he wanted to be in Chicago as he spoke publicly for the first time since an excerpt of an upcoming book revealed that he and his father, Carl, had concerns about the organization ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Before taking questions, Williams started with an opening statement in which he spoke without a script, addressing the conversation that has followed since the book excerpt was released May 15.
“I wanted to come here and be the guy, be a part of the reason of why the Chicago Bears turn this thing around,” Williams said.
The book written by author Seth Wickersham is entitled “American Kings: A Biography of the Quarterback.” In the excerpt released earlier in May, Williams’ concerns about the Bears in the process leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft were detailed.
Williams, who’s now 24, and his father initially researched ways to prevent Williams from being drafted by the Bears at No. 1 overall, according to the book. Eventually, Williams came to believe he could fit with the franchise following a pre-draft visit in April 2024. General manager Ryan Poles was candid about the franchise’s past struggles at the quarterback position in that meeting, and Williams’ mindset shifted.
Williams didn’t want to find himself in the middle of what he called a “storm” right now, but he addressed it directly Wednesday.
“It wasn’t something that we wanted to happen at this point,” Williams said following practice at OTAs. “We’re focused on the present, we’re focused on now, we’re focused on getting this ship moving in the right direction.”
The quotes from Carl Williams included details about their concerns with former Bears head coach Matt Eberflus and offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, who were each fired during Williams’ rookie season in 2024.
Williams indicated he didn’t want his father speaking on his behalf as it pertains to his career.
“He cares so much about me, about my future,” Williams said. “We’ve been on this journey so long. All he wants is the best for me.
“I love him to death and I’m super fortunate to have him. But we had talks about it.”
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.