Of Course Caleb Williams’ First Presser Had An Eye-Opening Quote
Caleb Williams draws attention everywhere he goes. It comes with being a Heisman winner and the #1 pick in the draft. Over 50 media members flooded Halas Hall on Friday to hear the quarterback speak for the first time ahead of rookie minicamps. It was surreal to see him decked out in navy blue and orange. Reporters wasted no time peppering him with questions. The rookie handled them with a calm, natural demeanor. No doubt the many years of dealing with lots of attention helped him prepare for such moments.
He stated that he’s been learning the Chicago Bears’ playbook since March, when it became clear the team would draft him #1 overall. His connection with fellow rookie Rome Odunze is already growing. Right now, his primary objective is learning the names of everybody in the locker room—all standard stuff. However, things took an interesting turn when someone asked Williams about being a leader. Here, he showcased some remarkable maturity and awareness for his age.
“To be a great leader, you have to learn how to follow first. So right now I’m following all the vets, I’m following all the coaches. I’m listening, having both ears open and my mouth shut. I’m just kind of sitting back listening and when I get to the point of when I learn everything, when I learn the ways of how we do it with the culture, the playbook, and what the offensive line, the receivers, running backs and tight ends are all doing, then you can start taking the lead.”
Caleb Williams acts like he doesn’t have all the answers.
That isn’t as common as you’d think for a young player, especially a quarterback. People must remember where this young man comes from. For years he’s been treated like royalty, first in high school and then college. It can be so easy to develop a big head during those times, acting like the MFIC (Motherf**ker In Charge). That doesn’t seem to have happened with Williams. For all his success and ambitions, he comes across as a grounded young man who understands the challenges ahead of him.
The best thing to do is let players who have had success at the NFL level educate him on the work it will require. Guys like D.J. Moore, Keenan Allen, Montez Sweat, and Jaylon Johnson should make great sounding boards. They will help him learn how to handle the grind, and how to handle the highs and lows. Once Caleb Williams receives this education, his natural leadership should take care of the rest. It is refreshing to hear somebody of his stature display such humility.