A year has passed since Caleb Williams, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, was heralded as the Chicago Bears’ savior, poised to end decades of quarterback turmoil. Yet, as the 2025 season unfolds, questions loom: Has his career already plateaued? Is the once-promising star now on life support?
Williams’ rookie season was a tale of highs and lows. Starting all 17 games, he threw for 3,541 yards, 20 touchdowns, and just six interceptions, setting a Bears franchise record for total yards (4,030) in a season. Despite these numbers, Chicago finished with a disappointing 5-12 record, leading to the dismissal of head coach Matt Eberflus. Analysts were quick to point out that while Williams’ statistics were solid, the team’s overall performance was lackluster, casting doubt on his immediate impact (Chicago Bears).
Entering the 2025 season, expectations were high. However, Williams has yet to silence his critics. In the season opener against the Minnesota Vikings, the Bears squandered an 11-point fourth-quarter lead, with Williams missing a crucial throw to DJ Moore that could have tied the game (New York Post). This miss amplified concerns about his consistency and decision-making under pressure.
Moreover, Williams’ accuracy remains a significant concern. Despite offseason efforts, he has struggled to consistently reach a 70% completion rate, a benchmark that many consider essential for elite quarterbacks (SI). His current completion percentage stands at 62.5%, which, while respectable, doesn’t inspire confidence given the expectations placed upon him.
Off the field, Williams has faced personal challenges. Reports confirm that he and his longtime girlfriend, Alina Thyregod, have ended their relationship (The Times of India). While such matters are private, they can undoubtedly affect a player’s mental and emotional state, potentially influencing on-field performance.
Despite these challenges, some within the Bears organization remain supportive. Wide receiver Rome Odunze recently defended Williams against online criticism, emphasizing the quarterback’s solid rookie performance and the team’s belief in his potential (Windy City Gridiron). Head coach Ben Johnson has also expressed confidence, stating that the team won’t abandon their plan after a single loss (Andscape).
However, the pressure is mounting. With the Bears’ playoff hopes dwindling, the spotlight intensifies on Williams. The once-promising quarterback now faces the daunting task of proving that his early success wasn’t a fluke and that he can lead Chicago back to relevance.
In conclusion, while it’s premature to declare Caleb Williams’ career over, the signs are concerning. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether he can overcome these challenges or if his trajectory will continue to decline. For now, the Bears and their fans can only hope that the young quarterback can rediscover the form that made him a star at USC and live up to the immense expectations placed upon him.
