Introduction to the New Era of Bears Football

The Chicago Bears are gearing up for a new season, and with it comes new hope and a fresh narrative under the guidance of Ben Johnson. Six-and-a-half weeks into the team’s offseason workout program, Johnson expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity to change the longstanding notion that Chicago is not conducive to quarterback success.

Embracing the Challenge

"I love it. I love it. I love the opportunity to come on in and change that narrative," Johnson said, referencing the common belief that Chicago is a place where quarterbacks struggle to thrive. "That’s where great stories are written. And so, we’re looking to write a new chapter here. 2025 Chicago Bears. And [we’re] looking forward to the future."

Addressing Recent Comments

Johnson’s remarks were in response to comments made by Caleb Williams and his father, Carl Williams, ahead of the 2024 NFL draft. The comments suggested skepticism about Williams’ ability to succeed as a quarterback in Chicago, with his father stating, "Chicago is the place quarterbacks go to die." Johnson chose to address these comments head-on, a departure from how such situations have been handled in the past.

Focusing on the Present

Williams was absent from the media gathering at Halas Hall, but Johnson emphasized the importance of moving forward. "It’s come to my attention that the quarterback has been in the media over the last week," Johnson said. "I just wanted to say I wasn’t here last year. So, I can’t speak too much in terms of what it was like before [Caleb Williams] got here and when he got here last year. But from my four months on the job, he’s been outstanding to work with, and we are just focusing on getting a little better every day."

Building Relationships and Trust

Johnson revealed that he had spoken with Williams after the story broke and that they are both looking to "turn the page on years prior and focus on the here and now." This includes developing a new approach to film study, an area where Williams had previously watched film alone without guidance from the coaching staff. Johnson emphasized his belief in a structured process for film study and quarterback development, indicating that his style is a blend of what he’s learned from various offensive coaches.

Coaching Philosophy

Johnson’s coaching philosophy also includes being demanding and pushing players to be their best. When asked about Williams’ desire to be coached hard, Johnson noted, "I think that the great ones, they want to be coached hard. That’s really the assumption we’re making with all of these guys." He believes this approach, combined with a supportive coaching staff, will help foster the growth and success of his players, including Williams.

The Path Forward

As the team progresses through the offseason, Johnson is focused on building relationships and trust with his players, particularly Williams. He understands that this process takes time and is encouraged by the steps they’ve taken so far. With a seasoned coaching staff and veteran players like Case Keenum providing guidance, Johnson feels positive about the environment they’re creating for their quarterback to thrive.

Conclusion

The 2025 season presents a significant opportunity for the Chicago Bears to rewrite their narrative, especially under the leadership of Ben Johnson and with the talent of Caleb Williams. By addressing past concerns directly and focusing on building a strong, supportive team culture, the Bears are laying the groundwork for a successful season. As Johnson and his team continue to work towards their goals, the future looks promising for this Chicago team.

FAQs

• Q: What is the common perception about quarterbacks in Chicago?
  • A: There’s a belief that Chicago is not conducive to quarterback success, often referred to as a place "where quarterbacks go to die."
• Q: How is Ben Johnson approaching this perception?
  • A: Johnson is embracing the challenge and sees it as an opportunity to change the narrative and write a new chapter for the Chicago Bears.
• Q: What steps is Johnson taking to support Caleb Williams?
  • A: Johnson is focusing on building a relationship with Williams, providing a structured approach to film study, and ensuring he has a supportive coaching staff around him.
• Q: What is Johnson’s coaching philosophy?
  • A: Johnson believes in coaching his players hard, pushing them to be their best, and creating an environment where they can grow and succeed.