Latest news with #CalebWilliams
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Chicago Bears Rookie Colston Loveland Climbs Jersey Sales Rankings
Chicago Bears Rookie Colston Loveland Climbs Jersey Sales Rankings originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Chicago Bears made headline-grabbing moves last year, shaking up their offensive identity. In a bold decision, they moved on from former quarterback Justin Fields and selected Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Now entering his second year, Williams is expected to elevate his game under new offensive coordinator Delan Doye, who brings a fresh system tailored to his strengths. With a clear commitment to surrounding Williams with talent, the Bears also added key rookies to bolster their offensive arsenal—one of whom is already generating major buzz. Advertisement Colston Loveland, the standout tight end from Michigan, has caught early attention. A former Mackey Award semifinalist, Loveland is known for his ability to exploit mismatches and create yards after the catch. According to a sports and culture platform that tracks fan engagement and merchandise trends, Loveland currently ranks No. 9 on the rookie jersey sales list, making him the highest-ranked tight end. He edges out Tyler Warren from Penn State, who sits at No. 10. This early merchandise momentum reflects the growing anticipation and excitement surrounding the rookie tight end. Colston LovelandGetty Images Topping the list is Shedeur Sanders, despite falling to the fifth round in the draft. 'At this point, Sanders leads all rookies in jersey sales,' Fanatics told CLLCT. 'And it has been that way for the entire month.' Bears OTAGetty Images Loveland is currently sidelined after undergoing shoulder surgery, which has kept him out of OTAs. In an April 25, 2025 interview captured by Chicago State of Mind Sports, he shared a positive update on his recovery: 'Yeah. So, um, so it's six months was the timetable. Um, we're three out right now and it feels great. I got full range of motion and everything.' The team remains optimistic about his return. In 2024 at Michigan, he recorded 56 receptions for 582 yards, despite missing three games due to the injury. The season before, he logged 45 receptions for 649 yards. Even with the missed time, Loveland broke the single-season record for most receptions by a tight end in Michigan history. Fans and coaches alike are eager to see him bring that same playmaking ability to the Bears' evolving offense. Advertisement Related: Bears Coach Delivers Harsh Message to Struggling Rookie Related: Bears Coaches Send Clear Message to Caleb Williams This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on May 31, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
‘I'm Not Convinced' Former NFL Exec Delivers Blunt Assessment of Caleb Williams
'I'm Not Convinced' Former NFL Exec Delivers Blunt Assessment of Caleb Williams originally appeared on Athlon Sports. After a season filled with flashes of promise and frustrating inconsistency, expectations remain sky-high for Caleb Williams as he enters his second year in Chicago. Despite the ups and downs, the former No. 1 pick managed to break the Bears' rookie records for both passing yards and passing touchdowns—a testament to his talent and upside. Now with a new head coach in Ben Johnson and a new offensive coordinator in Declan Doyle, the Bears are hoping a reset will bring more consistency to their young quarterback. Advertisement Still, not everyone is sold. One former NFL executive in particular has voiced serious concerns. Mike Tannenbaum, a former general manager and current ESPN football analyst, made headlines on a recent appearance on Get Up, ESPN's weekday morning show, when he was asked directly: 'Is Caleb Williams the quarterback to bring the Bears back to glory?' Captured by Cham Sura on YouTube, Tannenbaum was candid in his evaluation: 'I am not… [convinced]. I work with Ben Johnson… the new head coach of the Bears. He is going to be a rule-based, disciplined play caller and coach.' 'When you have 68 sacks… you have to bear some of that responsibility.' 'No team has done more for their quarterback in this offseason than the Bears. We'll see if he gets better, but I am concerned by his lack of discipline and his fundamentals.' ESPN insider Dan Graziano, however, took a more measured stance: 'The word 'convinced' is a tricky one here... we don't have enough data on Caleb Williams in the NFL to be convinced one way or the other.' Now under the direction of head coach Ben Johnson and offensive coordinator Declan Doyle, the Bears are hoping for a true fresh start. Johnson, who spent the previous two seasons as offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, played a pivotal role in transforming their offense into one of the league's most productive and creative units. Caleb WilliamsGetty Images That proven track record adds optimism that he can bring similar success to Chicago's rebuild. With a strong draft class that includes dynamic tight end Colston Loveland and explosive wideout Luther Burden III, the Bears have surrounded Williams with talent. If he can capitalize on that support, year two could become a defining chapter in his development. Advertisement Related: Chicago Bears Rookie Lands Among Top Jersey Sellers Despite Inactivity Related: Bears Coach Delivers Harsh Message to Struggling Rookie This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on May 31, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Mike Tannenbaum not convinced about Bears QB Caleb Williams
There's been plenty of discourse surrounding Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams after just one NFL season. The former first overall pick had a solid rookie season, but he wasn't without his struggles amid a chaotic 5-12 campaign marred by coaching ineptitude. The Bears have made Williams a priority this offseason, including the hiring of new head coach (and offensive and QB guru) Ben Johnson, as well as shoring up the offensive line and adding more weapons. But that still hasn't quieted the detractors, who some are already doubting Williams' future after just one season (and before Johnson gets a chance to work with him). Advertisement On Friday's "Get Up" on ESPN, former NFL general manager Mike Tannenbaum discussed his doubts about whether Williams has a future with the Bears -- while acknowledging the awful situation Williams dealt with last season. 'I am not (convinced about Williams in Chicago),' Tannenbaum said. 'I worked with Ben Johnson in Miami, the new head coach of the Bears. He is going to be a rule-based, disciplined play caller and coach. When you have 68 sacks? Look, the Bears were not great in coaching, not great in personnel last year but you have to bear some of that responsibility. No team has done more for their quarterback in this offseason than the Bears. We'll see if he'll get better, but I am concerned by his lack of his discipline in his fundamentals, that's not going to allow him to maximize his potential.' For what it's worth, Tannebaum was part of several franchises that drafted the following quarterbacks: Brooks Bollinger, Kellen Clemens, Brad Smith, Erik Ainge, Mark Sanchez, Greg McElroy and Brandon Doughty, while also trading for Tim Tebow. Meanwhile, Michael Wilbon, who's well-versed in Chicago sports, wholly disagreed with Tannenbaum's assertion and believes Williams is the exception to the Bears' quarterback woes. Advertisement 'For 60 years, I have followed every move of this team, and I'm not exaggerating – 60," Wilbon said. "What I know for certain is the Bears are going to screw up the quarterback situation. They're going to draft the wrong guy, they're going to have the wrong coach, they're going to coach that guy poorly, okay. That I know. That is not the case here, okay. I'm paying attention in a way that not either of these two guys are, who've forgotten more football in general than I'll ever know. That is not the case with Caleb Williams.' We're still several years from learning whether Williams has what it takes to be a franchise quarterback in Chicago. But with the arrival of Johnson, an improved offensive line and experience under his belt, the sky is the limit for Williams. This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Mike Tannenbaum not convinced about Bears QB Caleb Williams
USA Today
21 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Mike Tannenbaum not convinced about Bears QB Caleb Williams
Mike Tannenbaum not convinced about Bears QB Caleb Williams There's been plenty of discourse surrounding Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams after just one NFL season. The former first overall pick had a solid rookie season, but he wasn't without his struggles amid a chaotic 5-12 campaign marred by coaching ineptitude. The Bears have made Williams a priority this offseason, including the hiring of new head coach (and offensive and QB guru) Ben Johnson, as well as shoring up the offensive line and adding more weapons. But that still hasn't quieted the detractors, who some are already doubting Williams' future after just one season (and before Johnson gets a chance to work with him). On Friday's "Get Up" on ESPN, former NFL general manager Mike Tannenbaum discussed his doubts about whether Williams has a future with the Bears -- while acknowledging the awful situation Williams dealt with last season. 'I am not (convinced about Williams in Chicago),' Tannenbaum said. 'I worked with Ben Johnson in Miami, the new head coach of the Bears. He is going to be a rule-based, disciplined play caller and coach. When you have 68 sacks? Look, the Bears were not great in coaching, not great in personnel last year but you have to bear some of that responsibility. No team has done more for their quarterback in this offseason than the Bears. We'll see if he'll get better, but I am concerned by his lack of his discipline in his fundamentals, that's not going to allow him to maximize his potential.' For what it's worth, Tannebaum was part of several franchises that drafted the following quarterbacks: Brooks Bollinger, Kellen Clemens, Brad Smith, Erik Ainge, Mark Sanchez, Greg McElroy and Brandon Doughty, while also trading for Tim Tebow. Meanwhile, Michael Wilbon, who's well-versed in Chicago sports, wholly disagreed with Tannenbaum's assertion and believes Williams is the exception to the Bears' quarterback woes. 'For 60 years, I have followed every move of this team, and I'm not exaggerating – 60," Wilbon said. "What I know for certain is the Bears are going to screw up the quarterback situation. They're going to draft the wrong guy, they're going to have the wrong coach, they're going to coach that guy poorly, okay. That I know. That is not the case here, okay. I'm paying attention in a way that not either of these two guys are, who've forgotten more football in general than I'll ever know. That is not the case with Caleb Williams.' We're still several years from learning whether Williams has what it takes to be a franchise quarterback in Chicago. But with the arrival of Johnson, an improved offensive line and experience under his belt, the sky is the limit for Williams.
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
Ben Johnson is bringing intensity to the Bears defense
When the Chicago Bears hired head coach Ben Johnson this offseason, they did so to help elevate the offense. But he's also bringing some energy to the defense. In his first year as a head coach, Johnson has a respected and established coaching staff around him, mixed with veteran assistants and young, rising coaches looking to make their mark in Johnson's regime. Advertisement While the focus for Johnson and the Bears will be how he turns around the offense and second-year quarterback Caleb Williams, one defensive veteran has taken notice of how the new head coach is addressing the defense. Defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, who signed in free agency, raved about Johnson's intensity and focus on the defensive side of the ball. 'He's our leader. It is across the board, the standard is the standard," Jarrett said. "What I can say is with him, and all the coaches, (defensive coordinator Dennis Allen), they're not coming off of it. It's our job as players to put our best foot forward every day to reach what's expected of us. We're never going to be perfect, but the strive to try to reach it, that can breed excellence. I'm excited for the standard that is set for everybody across the board. This isn't a program where you try to be guy's friends and hopefully they'll buy in. No. You have to get with it. I've been around for a long time and that's the kind of culture you have to set early because when the expectations are high, that's what you want.' While Chicago has veteran defensive coordinator and former New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen running the show on defense, it's certainly encouraging to see Johnson bringing the intensity to that side of the ball, as well. This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears HC Ben Johnson is bringing intensity to the defense
