One of the byproducts of a narrative is that once they’re established, they can be incredibly difficult to break. Jay Cutler was long denounced as not tough enough after sitting in the NFC Championship game 15 years ago against the Packers due to a knee injury. Despite the countless pieces of evidence to the contrary, many have kept up that criticism for years. Now it appears Caleb Williams is dealing with one of his own. In his case, there is an undercurrent of belief that the newest Bears quarterback doesn’t have the greatest work ethic.
It is hard to know where this originated from. The best guess is that it started somewhere during the pre-draft process in 2024. Some wondered about his dedication to learning the position, having leaned heavily on his natural ability for so long. GM Ryan Poles also fanned those flames somewhat when he said Williams tried skipping some steps last season as a rookie. Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune admitted on 670 The Score that whispers of this persist around the league.
Brad Biggs on Caleb Williams: "He's going to have to work harder than he's ever worked for Ben Johnson, I would think. There's varying opinions about film work and habits of his rookie season, for sure, that are out there." pic.twitter.com/A57LqFebao
— 670 The Score (@670TheScore) May 21, 2025
Sports Mockery’s Jeff Hughes swiftly debunked those statements. From everything he’s heard, there isn’t a person inside Halas Hall who matters who thinks Williams is lazy.
Caleb Williams doesn’t adhere to the traditional QB profile.
That is what this is about, more than anything. He is a unique personality who likes to do his own thing. He’s business-savvy, likes fashion, and has big plans for his post-football career. Most believe that is a red flag. If he does eat, drink, sleep, and breathe football, he is automatically a slacker. Yet every time people ask, coaches and teammates say the same thing. He is constantly in the building, coming in early and staying late. He watches film, drills with teammates, and grinds to improve himself. Sure, he may not have the militaristic approach of a Peyton Manning or Tom Brady, but there is more than one way to work hard in this league. Caleb Williams does what works for him. Having Ben Johnson to push him will only make it easier.
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