Caleb Williams had never lost as much in his life as he did in his rookie season.
The Chicago Bears went 5-12. Williams showed plenty of flashes of his immense talent, but the overall team results weren't there.
It was hard for Williams, the 2024 No. 1 overall pick.
In a new Esquire feature story, Williams revealed just how tough it was.
“When I got home, I got in my bed. I just dropped a few tears,” Williams said. “And I was just so beat-up mentally, physically, spiritually.”
That's refreshing honesty from Williams in the macho sport that football is.
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Statistically, Williams was a rookie-season success.
He completed 62.5 percent of his passes for 3,541 yards and 20 touchdowns. Williams threw just six interceptions.
He also ran 81 times for 489 yards, a 6.0 yards per carry average.
It was an adjustment for Williams to an NFL offense after a free-flowing USC system in college that allowed Williams to do his own thing at times.
If Williams is the QB the Bears think he is, the humbling rookie season will make him better. Chicago fans sure hope so.
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