Last Thursday, ESPN released an article promoting Seth Wickersham's new book, American Kings: A Biography of the Quarterback. The article highlighted parts of the books regarding Caleb and Carl Williams' concerns about being drafted by the Chicago Bears. Caleb even went as far as saying he wanted to be drafted by the Minnesota Vikings, so he could be coached by Kevin O'Connell.
Ultimately, the younger Williams decided he didn't want to "nuke the city" by forcing his way out and believes he can help turn the franchise around even after a turbulent rookie season. That said, there were bound to be questions about the article posed to the whole team during their first media appearance following its release, which was Wednesday after OTAs.
Though Williams himself wasn't on the press conference schedule, veteran safety and 2024 captain Kevin Byard was. Byard said, "I didn't really think anything of it. That was before he was here." He added, "Since he's been in the building and since I've been around him, I haven't noticed any of that. Every single day he's trying to get better. He's a really good and talented QB in this league. That's what I see from him." (h/t Harrison Graham)
Kevin Byard Gives Glowing Caleb Williams Endorsement In Wake of Seth Wickersham Report
Byard's comments on Williams' situation are not surprising in the least. To begin, it's very rare for a current teammate, especially a team captain like Byrad, to rip into his quarterback. If he were to have done that, there surely would have been a ton more questions directed to him on the situation.
Still, Byard's words about Williams' work ethic reinforce some reports from last season. Near the end of the 2024 season, it was reported that Williams had to seek out additional support while watching film because the coaches weren't helping him. Wickersham's book confirms this.
Williams could have easily taken the coaching ineptitude and accepted the terrible position he was in as a rookie. Instead, he did the opposite, which reaffirms Byard's point. Even so, some fans still questioned his desire to improve during the offseason.
Nevertheless, Byard has been around many quarterbacks, veteran and young. So, if he believes in Williams' work ethic, Bears fans have no reason to question that.