Bear QB Caleb Williams learned more in rookie year compared to college

Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams had quite the journey in his first season in the NFL, as the Chicago Bears hope to have their franchise guy. Williams, who set both NFL records and franchise records for the Bears in his first season, not only was brought in to address a need at the position, but a decades-long search for a consistent, stable, and successful quarterback who can bring the team their first Super Bowl championship since 1985.

Throughout their storied legacy, the Bears have been known for their legacy of great running backs, led by the history of Walter Payton, and great defenses, including the legendary 1985 Bears defense, as well as linebackers Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs nearly 20 years later. Not often has their been a quarterback worth talking in the sense of long-term and worthy of the "franchise quarterback" label.

Coming into the franchise understanding their history and legacy, Williams knew that there would be pressure as the appointed savior at the quarterback position, and believes he learned a ton in his first year. Speaking to the media this week in his exit interview, Williams said he feels he learned more in one season with the Bears than he did in all of his college career.

"I knew it was a big task at hand," Williams said. "I'd say there were more lessons this year than I've had [throughout college]."

Williams experienced a season where his head coach was fired, working with an interim coach, as well as three different offensive coordinators. It would certainly be a learning lesson for any player in the NFL.

For Williams, who left Oklahoma to play at USC in his college days, the turmoil and roller coaster of his rookie season brought more lessons learned. Whether it be the expectation of being the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, being appointed the quarterback savior of a franchise in desperate need of one, or the consistent drama he went through, nothing compares to the lessons the NFL teaches players.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bear QB Caleb Williams learned more in rookie year compared to college