Caleb Williams was the No.1 overall pick by the Chicago Bears in the 2024 NFL Draft. The former USC Trojans quarterback and 2022 Heisman Trophy winner was among the most hyped rookies this season, along with Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, and others.
While Daniels and Maye have graduated from college football and are winning games for their respective NFL teams, Williams finds himself in a tough spot. The Bears’ record is 5-4, which is unlikely to improve in the near future.
Jon Gruden Details How Bears Can Help Caleb Williams
Former NFL head coach Jon Gruden is coming to Williams’ rescue. The 61-year-old former Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach (he won Super Bowl 37 with Tampa) has some advice for Bears head coach Matt Eberflus and his staff on redeeming Williams’ talent from going to waste.
Speaking during an appearance on Barstool Sports, Gruden stressed the importance of leadership and support within the organization to help the rookie quarterback thrive. His plan begins with identifying the team’s heart and soul.
“The big thing you do is you have a private meeting with the guys you deem as your leaders, the defensive leadership, the offensive leadership, the eight or nine Chicago Bears that you’re really saying, ‘This is the heart and soul of our football team,'” Gruden said.
“And we’re going to get behind this quarterback. And we go to spread that news downstairs and publicly, but we got to make this guy a great player.”
The Super Bowl-winning coach also pointed out Chicago’s challenges, including injuries and a roster filled with players searching for an identity. He highlighted new additions like DJ Moore and D’Andre Swift, emphasizing that their focus should shift toward supporting Williams.
“This is our guy right here, and we got to get him to hand the ball off to Swift, play good defense, win a couple of ugly games … but you got to get excited about Caleb Williams and keep putting your arm around this guy, challenging him, and helping him get through it,” Gruden urged.
How @BarstoolGruden would get Caleb Williams back on track @PardonMyTake pic.twitter.com/Z0x6DYayxW
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) November 15, 2024
The Chicago Bears will face the NFC North rival Green Bay Packers on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET at Soldier Field.