The last place you’d expect to hear an excellent argument for why Caleb Williams is the right guy for the Chicago Bears is from somebody who made a career out of beating them up on Sundays. Ndamukong Suh is unquestionably one of the best defensive tackles of the 2010s, having reached multiple Pro Bowls and won a Super Bowl. He’s also widely known as one of the dirtiest players, known for cheap shots at anybody and everybody, especially quarterbacks. His shots on Jay Cutler are infamous.
One would think Suh delights in the fact Williams has so many critics these days. It appears that is a misconception. It turns out the retired defensive tackle is an admirer of the young quarterback. His reasoning is simple. Williams has something figured out about football many others don’t.
“Everyone wants Caleb Williams to be obsessed with football 24/7. But the real ones know. Stepping away can make you better. When your whole identity is the game, you burn out. When you build a life outside of it, you stay sharp.”
This is referencing Williams’ many business and entertainment interests outside of football. Critics believe this makes him mentally weak since he’s not 100% dedicated to the game. Suh believes it’s the opposite. By having hobbies outside of football, Williams is well-equipped to handle the stresses without losing his passion for the game.
Everyone wants Caleb Williams to be obsessed with football 24/7.
But the real ones know.. Stepping away can make you better.
When your whole identity is the game, you burn out.
When you build a life outside of it, you stay sharp.
That’s what I did. I locked in, handled… pic.twitter.com/UNCQ26RLqg
— Ndamukong Suh (@NdamukongSuh) July 16, 2025
Caleb Williams isn’t the first to figure this out.
Another Bears quarterback who seemed to grasp this reality was Jim McMahon. The leader of the 1985 championship team had a strong work ethic, but coupled it with a deep love for bars and the nightlife. He didn’t mind doing commercials or other business-related ventures. Plenty of people criticized him for it, but none of them included his teammates, who saw the effort and passion on Sundays. Caleb Williams seems built the same way. He loves football and will put in all the time necessary to be great. That doesn’t mean he will apologize for having more than one interest. Suh is correct. The best players in the sport often find the balance between the grind and the down periods.
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