Caleb Williams was driving on the highway Monday when he received a call.
Four members of the Chicago Bears' brass were calling to tell the 2024 first overall draft pick news he wanted to hear: They were hiring Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.
“I don’t know if it was safe or not,” Williams said Wednesday, “but I gave out a loud yell and scream of just excitement.”
The road distractions only intensified as his head coach FaceTimed him.
It was fitting, perhaps, that Johnson called as his quarterback navigated the roads. Because for the years to come — Williams hopes the next “19, 17, 15 years,” he said recently — Johnson and Williams will be traveling the NFL roads together.