Caleb Williams preseason reps are 'paramount' to his development

The NFL preseason is officially underway following the Chicago Bears showdown with the Houston Texans at the 2024 Hall of Fame game. But before the two teams took the field for the ceremonial preseason game that introduces the 2024 class of Hall of Famers, the Bears’ top pick from the 2024 NFL Draft, Caleb Williams, shared his thoughts on Playing in the preseason.

“I think there’s more pros than cons in anything, especially for a young guy like myself,” said Williams. “The reps are always paramount for anybody like myself: a young rookie, second-year guy, [or] third-year guy. It’s paramount [and] it’s really important. We’ll see about these preseason games coming up [and] how they play out.”

As far as whether or not Williams would have liked to play in Chicago’s preseason opener, the No. 1 overall pick from the draft had this to say.

“I don’t know. I would love to get out there and play; it’s pretty awesome to be at Canton. But, you know, it’s coach’s decision,” said Williams.

As most already know, Williams did not get an opportunity to play in the Hall of Fame game. He and Houston’s second-year quarterback and reigning NFL rookie of the year CJ Stroud were both sidelined for the game.

It is unclear when or even if Williams will play at all this preseason. However, there’s ample opportunity as the Bears still have three games between now and their season opener against the Tennessee Titans on September 8. Chicago’s next game will be Saturday, August 10, against the Buffalo Bills. And if Williams has it his way, the star rookie quarterback will make his long-awaited NFL debut.

Williams explains decision to go on TB12 diet, advice from Tom Brady

As he goes through his first training camp with the Bears, Williams continues to channel his inner Tom Brady. The No. 1 overall pick recently started the TB12 Diet – something he learned from the GOAT himself.

The diet, according to Brady’s website, calls for plates to be 80% filled with plant-based foods and 20% animal-based. Williams pointed out a few of the foods he has to avoid, such as white rice, flour, red sauce, and sugar. The goal is to reduce inflammation and, in his words, “stay healthy.”

Williams hasn’t shied away from his goals in the NFL. In fact, during an appearance on The Pivot, he showed Ryan Clark his phone background, which shows he wants to win eight Super Bowls – one more than Brady. While he didn’t show it to Brady when they met earlier this offseason, Williams said they’ve spoken, and he got some good advice.

“I’ve reached out to Tom a few times,” Williams told ESPN’s Courtney Cronin. “Obviously, he has the knowledge of 20 years … of playing ball and being healthy. That’s ultimately what I’m trying to reach is play that long. Play as long as I can, and then, I can be healthy through all of it. A big part of it is the diet. Working out, how you work out, the things you work out.

“And then getting on the field, the mental part, the physical part, takes over. But the things I can control, control those things, which is my diet. I think that’s a big key to be able to play for such a long time.”