The Chicago Bears were supposed to be a year or two away. Coming off a 5-12 season and still trying to shake off the dysfunction that had defined them on and off the field, most figured 2025 would be about progress, not playoffs.
Maybe a few more wins under new head coach Ben Johnson. Maybe a glimpse of what Caleb Williams could become.
But 11-4? One win away from clinching the NFC North?
That wasn’t on anyone’s bingo card.
And yet, here they are. Not just relevant, but dangerous-and led by a rookie quarterback who’s already showing ice in his veins.
Caleb Williams has delivered six fourth-quarter comebacks this season, the latest coming in a dramatic overtime win against the Green Bay Packers. That 46-yard walk-off touchdown?
It’s already being etched into Bears lore. It’s the kind of play that gets replayed on highlight reels for years.
But as electric as that moment was, the Bears are far from finished. They’re in the playoffs now, and the conversation is shifting.
Not just about whether they belong-but whether they can make a real run.
Can the Bears win the Super Bowl?
That question was tossed at Williams in the form of a playful nod to the franchise’s iconic past-would the Bears be doing the Super Bowl Shuffle this year? His response wasn’t loud or boastful, but it didn’t need to be.
A grin. A nod.
Just enough swagger to let you know exactly where his head is at.
Caleb Williams isn’t just confident-he’s locked in.
This version of Williams is a far cry from the one who entered the season with questions swirling. Not about his talent-that was never in doubt-but about how quickly he could adapt to the NFL, and whether he could elevate a team that had been stuck in neutral.
Early on, there were growing pains. But as Ben Johnson’s system began to take root and the pieces around Williams started to click, something shifted.
That turning point seemed to come in the win over Philadelphia. That’s when you could feel it-Williams wasn’t just managing games anymore.
He was taking control of them. He wasn’t chirping or showboating, but his answers in press conferences started to carry more weight.
His body language changed. The confidence was unmistakable-and contagious.
This Bears team has been through it. Injuries, tough losses, and a schedule that hasn’t done them many favors.
But every time they’ve been counted out, they’ve responded. They’ve beaten contenders.
They’ve won ugly. They’ve won with flair.
And through it all, their rookie quarterback has looked like he belongs.
Williams isn’t interested in outside noise. He doesn’t care who’s doubting the Bears or who’s picking against them.
He sees a group that’s battled through adversity and come out stronger. He sees a team that’s already proven it can go toe-to-toe with the best in the NFC.
And he sees a path to something bigger.
Is it too soon to talk Super Bowl? Maybe.
But don’t expect Caleb Williams to shy away from the question. He’s not just playing with confidence-he’s leading with it.
And with the Bears surging at the right time, that confidence might just take them further than anyone expected.