There seems to be a misconception about quarterbacks in Chicago Bears history. Fans have long felt that they must look and act a certain way if they're going to have success in this city. They have to be big, strong, humble, and completely free of controversy. The sports equivalent of Boy Scouts. Nobody bothers to remember that the evidence flies directly in the face of such assumptions. Go back and look at the most successful quarterbacks of the modern era. None of them fit such criteria. Nor does Caleb Williams.
Jim McMahon was one of the great rebels of his era. Not only did he constantly clash with head coach Mike Ditka, but his antics also drew the ire of NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle. McMahon was never shy about sharing his opinion, even if people didn't like it. He'd drink a beer at press conferences, moon passing helicopters, and openly talk down to opponents. He was only 6'1 and didn't have the strongest arm in the world. That didn't stop him from winning a Super Bowl.
Or what about Jay Cutler?
Few players were more divisive among fans and media during his time with the franchise. He set every career passing record and led the team to an NFC championship. He was also brash and moody and wasn't afraid to tell anybody what he thought of them. His heart and toughness were never questioned, but his attitude constantly was.
Then we have Williams. Many call him the poster child for Gen Z. He's outspoken, quirky and does things most grown men probably wouldn't. He paints his nails before every game and wears dresses to events. The first thing he did upon getting drafted by the Bears was start instituting a hand gesture dubbed "The Claw." It's cringy, but nobody can deny the young man pours his entire personality into everything he does. Such behavior can be disarming, which often makes people forget how talented he is.
Caleb Williams is different. Chicago needs different.
The Bears have tried the traditional, boring route multiple times in the past several years. Rex Grossman, Mitch Trubisky, and Justin Fields all came with spotless off-the-field records and rather bland, inoffensive personalities. Each time, it didn't work out. None of them could handle the pressures of playing in Chicago. That serves as some proof that you might need a slight screw loose to thrive in this city. McMahon and Cutler fit that category. By most accounts, Williams is the same way.
The Bears had to do something different if they were going to climb out of the endless mire of quarterback misery. Caleb Williams is different. Spend ten minutes watching this kid on and off the field, and you realize he is not normal. He is his own person and marches to the beat of a different drum. This means others won't be able to easily influence how he plays the game. He will do it how he feels is best for himself and his team. That kind of attitude is what a quarterback must have.
No more good soldiers. We need a general.
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