NFL

Johnson: Love chance to alter Bears QB narrative

  • Courtney CroninMay 21, 2025, 06:31 PM ET

    Close

      Courtney Cronin joined ESPN in 2017, originally covering the Minnesota Vikings before switching to the Chicago Bears in 2022. Courtney is a frequent panelist on Around the Horn and host of Best Week Ever and GameNight on ESPN Radio. She also co-hosts The Chicago Bears Podcast on ESPN 1000. She previously worked at the San Jose Mercury News as a multimedia sports journalist.

LAKE FOREST, Ill. — New Chicago Bears coach Ben Johnson said he looks at the franchise’s troubling track record of developing quarterbacks as an opportunity.

Excerpts from ESPN senior writer Seth Wickersham’s book “American Kings: A Biography of the Quarterback” highlighted the struggles Caleb Williams experienced throughout his rookie season with the Bears and the trepidation that both the No. 1 pick and his father, Carl, shared about the organization.

Wickersham’s reporting revealed that Caleb Williams hoped to be drafted by the Minnesota Vikings and that Carl Williams did not want his son to be selected by the Bears because Chicago was where “quarterbacks go to die.”

Editor’s Picks

2 Related

Johnson smiled Wednesday when asked about that statement.

“I love it,” he said. “I love the opportunity to come on in and change that narrative. That’s where great stories are written. So, we’re looking to write a new chapter here — 2025 Chicago Bears — and looking forward to the future.”

Johnson said he spoke with Williams last week after the excerpt came out and seemed eager to move past the issues from the quarterback’s rookie season.

“He’s his own man,” Johnson said. “He’s gonna be treated as such. I think we’re both really looking forward to turning the page on years prior and focusing on the here and now.”

Wickersham’s book also detailed the disconnect between Williams and former Bears offensive coordinator