Caleb Williams Sends a Strong Message to Bears Staff With a Bold Offseason Decision originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
As the Chicago Bears wrap up the final stretch of optional OTAs this week, one second-year player is making sure his presence is felt. While many players choose to get an early start on their summer break, a few familiar faces have stuck around—and none are more noteworthy than Caleb Williams. With expectations high and a new offensive system in place, the former No. 1 pick is going the extra mile to get ahead.
Optional OTAs are known for being just that—optional. Many veterans use the time to recover or regroup before training camp, and their attendance is never guaranteed. But Caleb Williams is choosing the grind. Now entering year two as the Bears’ quarterback, Williams continues to show he’s all in on mastering Ben Johnson’s system.
When asked about Williams’ offseason commitment, Johnson didn’t hesitate to acknowledge the effort. In a post-practice press conference shared on the Chicago Bears’ official YouTube channel, he said:
‘Yeah I think he’s committed to learning the offense. We’re not where we need to be yet as a team and he understands that. And any chance he gets to get a few more full speed reps, it sounds like he wants them.’
Williams wasn’t the only notable player on the field. It was reported that standout receiver Rome Odunze, expected to be one of Chicago’s most explosive weapons this year, was also in attendance—a good sign for chemistry development and leadership across the roster.
With Ben Johnson designing an offense tailored to his skill set, and Williams putting in extra work when he doesn’t have to, signs point to a focused and determined QB. In a year where pressure and expectations are mounting, Caleb’s commitment might just be the edge the Bears need.
His participation in optional OTAs sends a strong message—not only to the coaching staff but to the rest of the league: he’s locked in, and ready to lead.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 11, 2025, where it first appeared.