USC Football: Chicago Bears DB Says Caleb Williams Can't Bring 'Hollywood Stuff' Into Building

Williams is going to have to prove himself once he enters the NFL.

The Chicago Bears hold the first overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft and they are expected to select USC Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams. Williams has been the talk of the draft this offseason, with teams in love with his potential as a prospect.

Chicago recently traded away their starting quarterback, signaling that they were all in on taking Williams. After winning the Heisman Trophy with USC in 2022, Williams has been one of the more hyped-up players in recent memory. 

He has the skill set to transform a team into a contender and the Bears believe he is the right man for them. However, if Chicago does select Williams, he will need to prove himself in the league to the veteran players on the roster.

Bears defensive back Jaylon Johnson appeared on the Up and Adams show with Kay Adams. He discussed how Williams would be received in the Chicago locker room and he didn't hold back.

"You can't bring that Hollywood stuff into the building, especially not with guys who've played this game at a high level for consecutive years in the league. It's just something that, guys like myself, guys like Tremaine, TJ. I mean just the vets, now Keenan Allen. You just ask certain guys in the locker room, I feel like we gonna see through. It's like what you did in college, the Hollywood, you gotta prove yourself. That stuff doesn't matter."

Chicago CB Jaylon Johnson on how projected no. 1 pick Caleb Williams would be received in the #Bears locker room 🔊🔊@NBAxJay1 @heykayadams pic.twitter.com/q2U9kho6Id

— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) March 20, 2024

Even with Williams succeeding in college, this is an entirely new level of playing field for him. He will be going up against grown men, whose performance on the field directly impacts their financial lives off the field.

He can't bank on the success he saw in college and will need to earn his keep with the guys on the team. However, Johnson did say that the Bears' players will have to get to know him before they can judge him as well.

“I think it's a fine line trying to prove a point to him, but also getting to know him. At the end of the day, we want him to be absolute best he can be, I mean that's what we bringing him in for, to win games.”

Per Jaylon Johnson via Up and Adams

Williams has all the tools to succeed in the NFL, but once he gets drafted, the hard work begins. He will be scrutinized at every angle and it'll be up to him to push through any adversity that he sees.