As the Chicago Bears continue their thorough search for a new head coach to guide former No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams, a peculiar and humorous incident has added an unexpected twist to the offseason. A group of kids allegedly managed to prank the star quarterback in a way that has the internet buzzing.
A video shared by Barstool Sports shows a group of mischievous youngsters somehow getting access to Williams’ phone number. They reportedly posed as Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, a popular name in discussions surrounding the Bears’ coaching vacancy. Through a series of convincing text messages, they managed to persuade Williams to accept a FaceTime call.
When Williams answered, expecting a serious conversation with a potential coach, he was instead greeted by the pranksters. The video shows Williams’ apparent surprise when the kids revealed the ruse, but he quickly laughed it off and appeared to take the joke in stride, showcasing his down-to-earth personality.
Social Media Reacts
The internet, as expected, had a field day with the prank. Reactions ranged from laughter to admiration for how Williams handled the situation:
- “Can’t lie, I talked [expletive] about Caleb Williams before, but he’s got my respect after this. You can tell he’s a cool dude—more down-to-earth and humble than people think. #NFL,” one Twitter user wrote.
- “Caleb gets a text from Mike Kafka next week, he’s smashing his phone,” joked another, referencing another name linked to the Bears’ coaching search.
- “I’d like to thank these young men for soft-launching Ben Johnson to the Bears. Ben, look at that smile. Listen to the palpable excitement in his voice. Come coach him!” a third user quipped, turning the prank into a plea for Johnson to join Chicago.
- “How the [expletive] did these kids get his cell?” wondered another commenter, reflecting the disbelief shared by many.
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A Lesson Learned
While the incident left fans laughing, it also raised questions about how the pranksters managed to obtain Williams’ phone number. Whether it was through social media leaks, mutual acquaintances, or sheer ingenuity, the situation serves as a reminder of the importance of privacy—especially for high-profile athletes.
Given the unexpected nature of the event, it’s likely that Williams will be updating his contact information soon. For now, fans seem to appreciate his ability to laugh along with the joke rather than reacting poorly.
Looking Ahead
Despite the lighthearted moment, the Bears have serious work to do as they evaluate candidates to lead the team alongside their prized quarterback. Ben Johnson, the name at the center of the prank, remains a legitimate contender for the job.
Whether this playful incident has any impact on the coaching search is doubtful, but it’s certainly added a layer of levity to an otherwise high-pressure situation.
For Williams, the prank was a harmless detour, and his good-natured response only further endeared him to fans. As he continues to prepare for his second season in the NFL, moments like these remind everyone that even top-tier athletes can find themselves at the center of a good laugh.