Caleb Williams explains how he leads as a rookie

Former USC quarterback Caleb Williams was the consensus top prospect for two years before the Chicago Bears selected him with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. But his status as a college player will not earn him anything at the NFL level.

Like all rookie quarterbacks thrust into a locker room, Williams will look to lead his team despite being one of Chicago’s youngest players. Not turning 23 years old until November.

With that in mind, Williams was asked about how he plans on leading the Bears this upcoming season despite being a rookie after the draft with Chicago play-by-play announcer Jeff Joniak.

“The first part of it is I have to come in and do my job,” Williams said. “I have to learn all their names, everybody in the facility, and I have to do my job and learn the playbook to the best of my ability.”

Everybody leads in different ways, some by example and others by being vocal and outspoken voices for teams. But there’s no question that the quarterback on every football team at any level is looked and relied upon to lead an offense, and in most cases, an entire football team.

When it comes to quarterbacking, knowing your job is the top priority and what must be taken care of before leadership is strongly considered at all. Which Williams understands as he looks to translate his success at the college level to the NFL.

“Half of it is knowing it and doing my job and the other half is going out there and showing my guys that I’m the player that I am,” Williams explained. “That’s my mindset and that’s where I’m planning on going and how I’m planning on doing it and leading my guys. And then from there I can take other steps, but they have to see it first, especially coming from a young guy.”

“Come in here, and work, and get after it.”

Williams’ play spoke for itself during his college career, taking home the Heisman Trophy in 2022 following a historic season. He established himself as a can’t-miss NFL prospect and the first to draw comparisons to Patrick Mahomes for his play style and ability.

He made numerous jaw-dropping plays on Saturdays the past three years, and if he can make some on Sundays, there’s no question he’ll earn the respect of his peers.