The anticipation surrounding the Chicago Bears' selection of quarterback Caleb Williams as the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft is palpable, with the team making no effort to conceal their intentions. With an impressive collegiate career at USC under his belt, Williams now stands poised to make the leap to the NFL, joining one of the league's most iconic franchises.
Even Bears defensive end Montez Sweat is aware of the impending selection, openly acknowledging it during an appearance on the "Green Light Podcast with Chris Long."
When questioned about the advice he would offer the incoming rookie quarterback, Sweat succinctly summarized it in two words: "Be yourself." Expanding on his counsel, he emphasized the importance of not attempting to shoulder the entire burden immediately and urged Williams to maintain humility.
Sweat also emphasized the significance of relying on the existing strong support system within the team. "Don't try to do it all by yourself," he advised, pointing out the talented players already in place. "Just be humble and be yourself," he reiterated, recognizing Williams' undeniable talent while cautioning against undue pressure to excel immediately.
This guidance holds particular relevance for Williams, as highly touted college quarterbacks often face immense expectations upon joining struggling NFL teams. While success stories like Joe Burrow exist, instances where quarterbacks falter, such as Mitchell Trubisky, Zach Wilson, or Baker Mayfield, are not uncommon.
Sweat understands the weight of Williams' success on the team's fortunes and intends to emphasize this message as they head into training camp. With seasoned veterans on both offense and defense, Williams has the support needed to heed Sweat's advice. By avoiding the pressure to perform miracles overnight, he can remain grounded and true to himself, as Sweat wisely suggests.
POLL | ||
12 AVRIL | 52 ANSWERS Montez Sweat's Words of Wisdom for the Bears' Future Quarterback Do you think rookie quarterbacks should prioritize humility in their transition to the NFL? | ||
Yes | 43 | 82.7 % |
No | 9 | 17.3 % |
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