Caleb Williams has proved his doubters and critics wrong despite being projected to have a “sophomore slump” this season. He helped the Chicago Bears win the AFC North while qualifying for the playoffs under new coach Ben Johnson.
One of those who doubted the second-year quarterback was four-time NBA champion Draymond Green. However, four months after his initial criticism, the Golden State Warriors star took back his words and praised Caleb Williams for the success he’s had with the Bears after their wild-card victory over the Packers.
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“I give respect and credit when credit is due,” Green said on Thursday on his eponymous podcast with insider Jordan Schultz. “And for him (Caleb Williams) to do that over and over and over again, and then get into the playoffs and do that again, although I think LaFleur blew it.
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“He still had to go make the throws. He still has to go make the reads. He still has to rally those guys. And it’s gotten to a point where yuo’re kind of just sitting there expecting it to happen. … I’m not gonna sit here and act like I think he’s about to win the Super Bowl. Because I don’t think that’s just about to happen. But I can tip my cap where it’s due and he’s earned by respect.”
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Back in September, during the start of the season, Draymond Green was not very confident about Caleb Williams. The Bears started with a two-game losing skid before securing their first victory over the Cowboys in Week 3.
“I don’t think he’s ever going to figure it out to the level of what you’d expect from a number one pick,” Green said. “Is he leading you to the promised land? He’s not leading you to the Super Bowl in year 10 either.”
During the regular season, Williams tallied 3,942 yards and 27 TDs passing. During last week’s victory over the Packers, he helped his team come back from a 3-21 deficit in the first half to take home the victory. Williams completed 24 of 48 passes for 361 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winner in the fourth quarter.
Caleb Williams gets honest about building rapport with Ben Johnson
Before the postseason, Caleb Williams opened up about slowly building a relationship with Ben Johnson.
He said that despite a slow start, they quickly formed a strong bond that helped contribute to the success of the team.
“Yeah, it took me a while,” Williams said. “It took me, you know, throughout camp, at certain parts you know, felt like our relationship was prett fragile, fragile at certain points from my perspective, like geez. Like this dude doesn’t meet like he likes me. He doesn’t have to like me.
“But, at that point also, and to that extent, you start figuring out that, that’s just him, and he cares so much about the sport, he cares so much about us. He cares so much about winning.”
The Bears will now face the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. ET.
Edited by Priyam Hazarika