Case Keenum was ready to retire. He'd put together a tremendous career as a journeyman backup quarterback. He even took Minnesota to the NFC championship in 2017. However, at 37 years old, it felt like the time was right to hang it up. Then he got a phone call from new Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson. He wanted to provide Caleb Williams with a veteran mentor while also stabilizing the team's depth chart. According to Dan Pompei of The Athletic, the sales pitch was excellent.
Still, moving cities again was a tough ask for him and his family. Was the chance to stay in the NFL worth it? After considering the offer, he decided to accept the job. In the months since then, he's slid into his role with ease. The relationship with Williams has developed fast. Keenum thought he had a good idea of what he was working with when he arrived. It didn't take long to realize the former #1 pick was even better than advertised.
In fact, Keenum confirmed one of his darkest thoughts to Pompei.
In March, Johnson called Keenum and told him he was “sexy” because of the success he had working with young quarterbacks. Keenum, who had been called many things by coaches but never sexy, was flattered. What’s more, he was intrigued by Johnson’s vision for his potential role.
Keenum had two choices — the Bears or retirement.
He became the Bears’ No. 3 quarterback.
But calling him their No. 3 quarterback doesn’t begin to describe what he does.
Except for three letters in their first names, Case and Caleb could hardly be more different.
Williams has been touched like Adam in the world’s most revered fresco. Some believe he is among the most gifted to ever put fingertips to lace. Keenum, who has played with Stroud, Goff, Sam Bradford, Baker Mayfield and Josh Allen, believes Williams could become the greatest of them all.
Case Keenum has seen greatness up close.
Josh Allen is an MVP. Baker Mayfield has played like one, as has Jared Goff. To say Williams is on a trajectory to surpass all of them is no small thing. Some will say the veteran QB is merely talking up his teammate, but that doesn't feel entirely true. Case Keenum has a long-standing reputation for being honest with his feelings. He's never been one to overhype anybody. He calls it like he sees it. Based on how Williams has played in recent weeks, it's no longer possible to say his thoughts are lunacy.
Most quarterbacks wouldn't have been able to pull their team out of the fire like he did against New York last Sunday. Keenum was right there for all of it. He said even before the final drive that Williams was going to score and win the game. Such things aren't said just for motivation. You could sense the belief behind them. If Williams has converted a grizzled veteran like him, it's time to take notice.
