Former Washington Commanders quarterback Robert Griffin III has always had a knack for reading the room, and when it came to Caleb Williams landing in Chicago, he says he saw it coming from miles away. While some in the football world clung to the possibility of Justin Fields holding on to the starting job, RGIII knew the writing was on the wall. As a former Heisman Trophy winner himself and a first-round pick who understands the weight of franchise expectations, Griffin recognized the signs of a rebuild centered around a generational quarterback talent. And with the Chicago Bears holding the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the team’s decision was never much of a mystery to him.
For months leading up to the draft, the buzz around Caleb Williams was deafening. The USC star had been pegged as the presumptive top pick for over a year, showcasing elite arm talent, mobility, and the kind of playmaking instincts that reminded some scouts of Patrick Mahomes. But even as Williams continued to put up gaudy numbers and dazzling highlights, there were lingering questions about the Bears’ commitment to Justin Fields. A former first-round pick himself, Fields had shown flashes of brilliance in Chicago but had never fully silenced the doubters. His record as a starter, turnover issues, and inconsistent development under multiple coaching staffs created enough hesitation for the Bears’ front office to ultimately reset the quarterback clock.
Griffin, now an ESPN analyst, wasn’t among those caught off guard by the shift. “You don’t pass up a Caleb Williams,” he said during a post-draft segment. “You just don’t. I’ve been in that position before, I know what it feels like to have the hopes of a franchise placed on your shoulders. But I also know what it looks like when an organization is ready to move on and start fresh. This was that moment for Chicago. It was clear to me a long time ago that Caleb was their guy.”
According to Griffin, the signs were all there. From Bears GM Ryan Poles attending multiple USC games in person, to the team’s calculated moves in free agency to build a more QB-friendly environment, it all pointed toward one direction. The acquisition of wide receiver Keenan Allen, combined with the presence of DJ Moore and a rebuilt offensive line, indicated a clear desire to give a rookie quarterback every chance to succeed. These weren’t the kind of moves a team makes if it’s committed to a long-term project with an incumbent signal-caller who’s struggled to stay consistent. These were win-now moves—decisions made with the belief that their next quarterback would be ready to lead sooner rather than later.
Griffin also spoke about the unique pressure that comes with being drafted No. 1 overall. As someone who experienced it firsthand when Washington selected him in 2012, he emphasized the importance of organizational alignment. “When you take a quarterback No. 1, you’re not just betting on the player,” Griffin said. “You’re betting on your coaching staff, your culture, your infrastructure. That’s what I’m looking for with Chicago right now. Caleb can be a superstar, but only if the Bears support him the right way.”
The Bears, for their part, seem intent on doing just that. Head coach Matt Eberflus has repeatedly praised Williams’ football IQ and leadership in early minicamps, while offensive coordinator Shane Waldron has already begun tailoring the playbook to fit his new quarterback’s strengths. In an early glimpse of things to come, Williams was seen taking command of the huddle, correcting routes during drills, and actively communicating with veteran receivers. All early signs point toward a smooth transition—though as Griffin knows all too well, the true test will come when the regular season starts and the pressure amps up.
One of the more intriguing aspects of Griffin’s perspective is how much he sees of himself in Caleb. Both were electric playmakers in college, both carried the hopes of long-suffering franchises on draft day, and both entered the league with sky-high expectations. But the difference, Griffin says, is the level of support. “When I got to Washington, we had talent, no doubt. But we didn’t always have alignment,” he said. “With Caleb, I think the Bears are trying to avoid those same mistakes. They’re giving him the keys, yes—but they’re also giving him a real car to drive.”
Indeed, the Bears’ offensive roster looks the most promising it has in years. Allen and Moore form one of the league’s most experienced and explosive wide receiver duos, tight end Cole Kmet remains a reliable safety valve, and rookie Rome Odunze adds even more firepower. Add in a solid running game and improved protection, and Chicago has quietly assembled a supporting cast that could rival many of the league’s playoff contenders. It’s a far cry from the days when Bears quarterbacks were routinely left to fend for themselves behind porous lines and underwhelming receiving corps.
Williams, for his part, seems unfazed by the moment. Confident but not cocky, he’s approached his first few weeks in the NFL with the poise of a veteran. During his introductory press conference, he credited Fields for being “a pro’s pro” throughout the transition and said he was excited to build something special in Chicago. “This is a city that loves football, that’s hungry for a winner,” Williams said. “I came here to work. That’s the only promise I’m going to make.”
Griffin believes that mentality will serve him well. “The hype is real, but so is the scrutiny,” he said. “If there’s one city that doesn’t sugarcoat things, it’s Chicago. They’ll love you if you win, they’ll let you know if you don’t. But I think Caleb is built for that. He’s got the mindset, the preparation, and the swagger. He just needs time.”
Time, however, is not always a luxury in the NFL—especially for quarterbacks taken with the first pick. The weight of expectations, media narratives, and fan impatience can wear on even the most talented players. Griffin knows that as well as anyone. Injuries and internal dysfunction derailed what started as a promising career in Washington, and while he carved out a respectable second act as a backup and analyst, he often wonders what could’ve been with better infrastructure. It’s part of why he’s rooting so hard for Williams to succeed.
“I don’t want to see another young quarterback thrown into the fire without a fireproof suit,” Griffin said. “I want Caleb to thrive. I want the Bears to do right by him. And from everything I’ve seen so far, they’re trying.”
It’s a new era in Chicago. The fan base, long-starved for elite quarterback play, is cautiously optimistic that Williams can finally be the one to break the mold. Names like Mitch Trubisky, Jay Cutler, and Rex Grossman loom in recent memory—not failures necessarily, but not the kind of transcendent talents who elevate an entire organization. Caleb Williams has the chance to be that guy, and Robert Griffin III has no doubts about his potential.
“The kid is special,” he said. “I’ve watched a lot of quarterbacks over the years, and you can just tell with some of them. Caleb has that ‘it’ factor. The ability to make plays off-script, the arm talent, the leadership—he checks all the boxes. But more importantly, he’s walking into a situation where he can grow. That’s all you can ask for.”
Only time will tell whether Williams lives up to the immense expectations. But if the early indicators are anything to go by, the Bears finally have their franchise quarterback—and a plan to maximize his gifts. For Robert Griffin III, it’s a refreshing sight. He saw it coming, and now, he’s eager to watch it unfold.
As minicamps roll into training camp and preseason games approach, all eyes will be on Williams. Every throw, every read, every interaction will be dissected. And while the pressure will only increase, so too will the opportunity. In a league defined by quarterback play, the Bears are betting that Caleb Williams is the answer they’ve been searching for—and maybe, just maybe, this time they got it right.
