Chicago Bears fans may be riding high on Caleb Williams ' potential, but NFL insider Ian Rapoport believes the former No. 1 overall pick could be in for a tough awakening in 2025 — and it has little to do with his performance on the field.
Ian Rapoport teases doom for one QB in 2025
Speaking on Good Morning Football, Ian Rapoport, known for his measured takes rather than hot ones, offered a surprisingly blunt assessment of Williams’ future under new Bears head coach Ben Johnson . His warning? The upcoming season may be “miserable” for the rookie quarterback — and not because of poor numbers or losing records, but because of the intense demands behind the scenes.
“I don’t know if he truly understands what it’s going to be like,” Rapoport said, referencing the relentless work ethic and grueling expectations Johnson is known to impose on his quarterbacks.
The USC product certainly impressed in his rookie campaign — racking up 3,541 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and only six interceptions. His mobility added another layer, contributing 489 yards on the ground. Williams even managed to break several franchise rookie records and went nearly three months without throwing an interception. Yet, despite these individual milestones, the Bears stumbled to a 5-12 finish, leading to the dismissal of Matt Eberflus and the hiring of Johnson.
While fans may see Johnson as a breath of fresh air after a disappointing season, insiders like Rapoport are raising red flags about the quarterback-coach dynamic. “To be one of the actual greats — which his talent should allow him to be — it’s going to be really miserable,” Rapoport explained. “Is Ben Johnson the most pleasant person to be around during the season? I don’t think he is.”
Johnson earned a reputation as an offensive genius after engineering Detroit's high-octane attack that averaged over 33 points per game last season. However, that brilliance often comes with an unforgiving approach to detail, preparation, and execution — something that may prove mentally and emotionally taxing for a young quarterback still finding his place in the NFL.
“I don’t even know right now if Caleb Williams understands that, like, on a Monday night in November, it’s going to suck,” Rapoport added, painting a vivid picture of the grind awaiting the young signal-caller.
Chicago’s front office and fanbase are pinning their hopes on the Williams-Johnson pairing to usher in a new era of Bears football. But if Rapoport’s prediction holds true, the road to greatness will be paved not with glory, but with grit, late nights, and the kind of discomfort that tests even the most gifted talents.
Also Read: Geno Smith believes his journey led him to Raiders because “the stars are aligning” in Las Vegas
Ian Rapoport teases doom for one QB in 2025
Speaking on Good Morning Football, Ian Rapoport, known for his measured takes rather than hot ones, offered a surprisingly blunt assessment of Williams’ future under new Bears head coach Ben Johnson . His warning? The upcoming season may be “miserable” for the rookie quarterback — and not because of poor numbers or losing records, but because of the intense demands behind the scenes.
“I don’t know if he truly understands what it’s going to be like,” Rapoport said, referencing the relentless work ethic and grueling expectations Johnson is known to impose on his quarterbacks.
In-studio on @GMFB: #Bears QB Caleb Williams may be miserable this year... and that's a good thing. pic.twitter.com/36ZdaMMHPj
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 9, 2025
The USC product certainly impressed in his rookie campaign — racking up 3,541 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and only six interceptions. His mobility added another layer, contributing 489 yards on the ground. Williams even managed to break several franchise rookie records and went nearly three months without throwing an interception. Yet, despite these individual milestones, the Bears stumbled to a 5-12 finish, leading to the dismissal of Matt Eberflus and the hiring of Johnson.
While fans may see Johnson as a breath of fresh air after a disappointing season, insiders like Rapoport are raising red flags about the quarterback-coach dynamic. “To be one of the actual greats — which his talent should allow him to be — it’s going to be really miserable,” Rapoport explained. “Is Ben Johnson the most pleasant person to be around during the season? I don’t think he is.”
Johnson earned a reputation as an offensive genius after engineering Detroit's high-octane attack that averaged over 33 points per game last season. However, that brilliance often comes with an unforgiving approach to detail, preparation, and execution — something that may prove mentally and emotionally taxing for a young quarterback still finding his place in the NFL.
“I don’t even know right now if Caleb Williams understands that, like, on a Monday night in November, it’s going to suck,” Rapoport added, painting a vivid picture of the grind awaiting the young signal-caller.
Chicago’s front office and fanbase are pinning their hopes on the Williams-Johnson pairing to usher in a new era of Bears football. But if Rapoport’s prediction holds true, the road to greatness will be paved not with glory, but with grit, late nights, and the kind of discomfort that tests even the most gifted talents.
Also Read: Geno Smith believes his journey led him to Raiders because “the stars are aligning” in Las Vegas
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