The NFL draft is like a high-stakes game of musical chairs, and Caleb Williams found himself in the hottest seat of all. Before donning the Chicago Bears jersey, Williams and his dad were plotting an epic draft dodge that would make Hollywood screenwriters jealous.

The Pre-Draft Rebellion

When most young quarterbacks dream of getting drafted, Williams was busy strategizing ways to avoid the Windy City. His father, Carl Williams, dramatically proclaimed “Chicago is the place quarterbacks go to die” - talk about dramatic flair. They explored wild options like signing with the United Football League and even contemplated publicly dragging the Bears’ reputation through the mud.

A Begrudging Acceptance

Despite their initial resistance, Williams eventually resigned himself to the Bears’ destiny. After a pre-draft facility visit, he told his dad, “I can do it for this team”. Spoiler alert: His rookie season was a rollercoaster of challenges, featuring 20 touchdowns, six interceptions, and a league-leading 68 sacks.

The Aftermath

The Bears’ tumultuous season saw the firing of offensive coordinator Shane Waldron nine games in and head coach Matt Eberflus after the 12th game. Now, with new leadership including head coach Ben Johnson, Williams faces a fresh opportunity to rewrite his narrative.

Sometimes, the story you least expect becomes the most compelling journey.