As the Chicago Bears prepare to kick off their 105th season, the team is entering a new era that could finally change the narrative surrounding one of the NFL’s most storied franchises. For much of their history, the Bears have been synonymous with three things: a dominant defense, legendary running backs, and a notoriously dismal lineage of quarterbacks.
Remarkably, the Bears remain the only team in the NFL without a quarterback who has thrown for 4,000 yards in a single season. Most of their passing records are held by Sid Luckman, who played before World War II, or Jay Cutler, a polarizing figure who never quite lived up to expectations. However, it seems the tide is turning in Chicago, and it’s not just the Bears’ fans who are getting excited about their new potential franchise quarterback, Caleb Williams.
The No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Williams has been making waves in the preseason, and his latest performance against the Cincinnati Bengals has sparked a frenzy of comparisons and predictions online.
One of the most notable reactions came from Miami Dolphins star wide receiver Tyreek Hill, who was recently ranked as the top player in the NFL by his peers. During the game, Hill tweeted a bold comparison, likening Williams to a quarterback who used to throw him passes — and he wasn’t referring to Tua Tagovailoa.
Hill suggested that Williams reminds him of none other than Patrick Mahomes, one of the most electrifying players in the league today.
This is high praise for the rookie, who has been drawing Mahomes comparisons since his college days at Oklahoma. Known for his ‘backyard’ style of play, Williams is now proving that his unique skill set can translate to the NFL.
After a shaky start in the first quarter, Williams found his rhythm in the second, showcasing the poise and playmaking ability that have scouts and analysts buzzing. He connected with fellow rookie Rome Odunze on a deep pass downfield before capping off the drive with a spectacular touchdown. The play saw Williams step up in the pocket, evade pressure, and scramble to find the end zone, drawing even more attention to his potential.
The question now is whether Caleb Williams can become a top-10 quarterback in his rookie season. With C.J. Stroud accomplishing that feat just a year earlier, it’s not out of the realm of possibility. Williams has shown early signs that he could be up to the task, and the excitement in Chicago is palpable.
For years, it seemed like the Bears would need a miracle to land a true franchise quarterback. In a twist of fate, that miracle came in the form of the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2023, a pick they acquired after Lovie Smith’s Houston Texans secured a shocking win in the final game of the season, dropping them to the second pick. The Bears traded the pick to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for a package that included their first-round pick in 2024. When the Panthers finished the season as the worst team in the league, the Bears found themselves in position to draft Caleb Williams.
After his impressive preseason showing, Williams was asked about Tyreek Hill’s flattering comparison. His response was perfect, displaying the confidence and humility that have already endeared him to fans and teammates alike.
Chicago has never seen a quarterback quite like Caleb Williams before. As he continues to develop, the excitement surrounding him will only grow, and even his new NFL peers are starting to take notice. The Bears might finally have their franchise quarterback, and if his early performances are any indication, Williams is poised to make history in the Windy City.
