The Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams joined Travis and Jason Kelce on the latest episode of their podcast “New Heights.”
The episode, which was released Wednesday, touched on everything from Williams’ top throws from last season and being named the EA Sports Madden NFL 27 cover athlete to head coach Ben Johnson’s expectations for the team entering the 2026 season.
One of the episodes’ main focuses is the transition Williams and the Bears offense are making from Year 1 to Year 2 under Ben Johnson.
A key part of that process has been strengthening the relationship between quarterback and coach.
“[Ben Johnson] and I, we meet every day … I meet in his office, and we hang out, laugh, joke, and we talk about ball,” Williams said.
Another part of that transition is how much more comfortable the offense is operating in Year 2 of the system. This is already apparent in OTAs:
”Right now, we’re not really installed in full plays … but we’re still doing perfect plays. We got the perfect play thing going on right now,” Williams said. “We’re going out there, we’re calling plays, we’re getting in and out of the huddle. We’re lining up, we’re getting to the ball fast. Last year at this time, we could barely spit out a call.”
Williams also reflected on his mindset shift and increased comfort from Year 1 to Year 2 as he continues settling into the system.
”I get to be in a role that I haven’t necessarily been in my first two years. New coaches both years, new offenses, the comfort level, but also being able to go out there and play and win ballgames was important. So I’ve been able to step into a little bit of a different role and it’s been exciting for me,” Williams said.
The episode also covered the traits behind Williams’ unique arm talent.
The Kelce brothers asked Williams about the upper-body strength he shows when making throws from difficult angles, and what other sports he played growing up. Williams gave a surprising answer, saying swimming was his second sport. He pointed to the rotational movement involved in the stroke as a key factor in building his shoulder strength.
“I don’t know how I got all the funky throws,” Williams said. “I think it’s from swimming, just being able to have the strength in the shoulders.”
The discussion briefly turned to Chicago culture, as Travis Kelce asked Williams about his favorite iconic foods from the city. Kelce listed off the city’s staples, such as Italian beef, deep-dish pizza and the Chicago-style hot dog. Williams, however, went in a different direction, naming tavern-style pizza as his top choice.
“Honestly, the best pizza I’ve ever had in my life,” Williams stated, shouting out Zarella Pizzeria & Taverna.
The conversation then turned to Chicago traditions, where Williams admitted he has yet to experience the city’s well-known river architecture boat tour, but he made it clear it’s on his list.
“I’ve got to rent out a boat,” Williams said. “I have to, I’ve heard about it for the past two, two and a half years, I’ve got to do it at some point.”
The conversation gave a glimpse into Williams’ game, his development heading into next season, and his life beyond football.
