Former USC Trojans quarterback and 2022 Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams was a lock for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft for months.
The Chicago Bears followed through on that expectation, making Williams the franchise’s first No. 1 overall pick since 1947.
New information reveals the Bears caused concern in Williams’ family about his future.
ESPN writer Seth Wickersham’s latest book, ‘American Kings: A Biography of the Quarterback,’ will be released later in 2025. It shows readers what playing quarterback demands at the high school, college, and NFL levels as well as what it’s like after a player retires.
Excerpts on Williams have shined a light on his pre-draft process and rookie season.
‘[Williams is] worried about me taking bullets,’ Carl told Wickersham, per reports. ‘I don’t care. I just don’t agree with this s—, you know? I’m more interested in making sure that he can do what he wants to do.’
He reportedly commented to Wickersham that ‘the rookie cap is just unconstitutional’ and the current NFL collective bargaining agreement is the ‘worst piece of s— I’ve ever read. It’s the worst in sports history.’
The family reportedly looked into potential ways Williams could circumvent the draft entirely and instead sign with a United Football League team for a year before joining the NFL as a free agent in 2025.
However, after visiting the Bears’ facility prior to the draft, Williams told his father he could be a part of the change in the franchise.
‘I’m going to the Bears,’ he reportedly told Carl.
Wickersham’s book also includes parts of Williams’ rookie season with Chicago that saw coach Matt Eberflus fired mid-season, a first for the franchise. Williams was sacked a league-high 68 times.
Williams reportedly would watch film alone without help from coaches or other staff members.
‘No one tells me what to watch,’ Williams told Carl. ‘I just turn it on.’
The Bears hired one of the most sought-after coaches in the 2025 offseason, former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, and Williams has been an outspoken supporter of the move.
He said he was driving when he heard the news and “let out a loud scream of excitement.”
Chicago will open the season in a Week 1 ‘Monday Night Football’ game against the Minnesota Vikings.
Wickersham spoke to Pro Football Hall of Famers John Elway, Warren Moon and Steve Young as well as members of the Manning family for his latest book. ‘American Kings: A Biography of the Quarterback’ is anticipated to be released on Sept. 9, 2025.