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656 days after labeling Caleb Williams as "too feminine," Jason Whitlock claims "macho masculinity" is leaking into Bears QB with help of Ben Johnson

Chicago, Illinois – January 14, 2026

For nearly two years, Jason Whitlock has been one of the loudest critics of Caleb Williams, repeatedly questioning his leadership, demeanor, and — most controversially — his masculinity. Now, 656 days after first labeling Williams as “too feminine,” Whitlock has returned with a new claim: that “macho masculinity” is finally beginning to surface in the Bears quarterback, with help from head coach Ben Johnson.

Whitlock’s latest remarks, made on his podcast this week, immediately reignited debate across the NFL landscape. This time, however, the tone was notably different. Rather than dismissing Williams outright, Whitlock suggested that Johnson has begun to “reshape” the quarterback’s on-field presence — making him more assertive, more commanding, and more aligned with what Whitlock considers traditional NFL toughness.

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The irony was impossible to ignore.

Throughout Williams’ rise, Whitlock had criticized the quarterback’s emotional expression, personal style, and public confidence, framing them as signs that he lacked the edge required to lead an NFL franchise. Those critiques followed Williams from his college stardom into his early days with the Chicago Bears, often overshadowing his actual performance on the field.

Now, Whitlock says Williams is changing.

According to him, Johnson’s influence — through scheme, discipline, and leadership structure — has helped Williams channel his competitive instincts in a way that “looks more like a franchise quarterback.”

That interpretation has drawn immediate pushback.

Around the league, many believe Johnson’s approach is not about transforming Williams into something new, but about refusing to strip away what made him special in the first place. Johnson has consistently emphasized building systems around players’ strengths rather than forcing them into outdated molds — a philosophy that reflects the modern NFL, where creativity, adaptability, and individuality are increasingly valued.

Williams’ teammates have echoed that view. Inside the Bears locker room, his confidence, emotional authenticity, and relentless work ethic are seen as strengths, not liabilities. His growth on the field — improved command of the offense, sharper situational awareness, and poise in high-pressure moments — has reinforced that belief.

Whitlock’s shifting narrative may say more about the changing face of football than it does about Caleb Williams himself. The league no longer subscribes to a single definition of leadership at quarterback.

Caleb Williams did not become someone worth believing in because he changed who he is.

He became that because the Bears — and Ben Johnson — believed greatness does not need to look the way it used to.

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Just 3 Hours After Paying $2 Million to Exit Eagles Early, Legendary Offensive Coordinator Kevin Patullo Expresses Desire to Join Seahawks — Willing to Take Pay Cut to Work with NFL's Top Head Coach Mike Macdonald
Seattle, Washington – January 2026 Just three hours after finalizing a $2 million buyout to exit his contract with the Philadelphia Eagles ahead of schedule, veteran offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo made a decision that surprised many across NFL circles. Instead of retreating from the spotlight or waiting for the safest opportunity, Patullo made his intentions clear: he wants to join the Seattle Seahawks. According to multiple league sources, Patullo has already expressed a strong desire to work under Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald, even signaling he would be willing to take a pay cut to make the move possible. In a league where financial leverage often dictates career paths, Patullo’s stance stood out as a rare statement of priorities. Patullo’s departure from Philadelphia followed a season marked by offensive inconsistency and mounting pressure. Entering the year with Super Bowl expectations, the Eagles struggled to sustain rhythm in critical moments. As the architect of the offense, Patullo absorbed much of the responsibility, ultimately becoming the focal point of the organization’s reset. Rather than allow the process to drag on, he chose to pay his way out early — a decision that underscored his desire for clarity and control over his next chapter. That next chapter, in his mind, points toward Seattle. Sources close to Patullo say he has been deeply impressed by Mike Macdonald’s leadership style and the culture being built within the Seahawks organization — one centered on accountability, communication, and long-term development rather than short-term optics. For Patullo, this is less about rebuilding reputation and more about rediscovering purpose. In a private conversation shared with those close to him, Patullo articulated why Seattle resonates so strongly: “There were moments when I felt like I existed only to carry the responsibility of being an offensive coordinator, no longer truly heard as a person behind the play sheet. When I came to Seattle, they didn’t ask me about yards gained, schemes, or play calls — they asked how I felt and how I see the game of football, and that genuinely made me pause. When a place is willing to protect you and listen to you before demanding results, you understand why it’s not somewhere you want to pass through — it’s somewhere you can fully commit to building and call home.” From Seattle’s perspective, the interest is noteworthy. Macdonald is assembling a staff aligned with his vision — detail-oriented, adaptable, and grounded. Patullo’s experience, combined with his willingness to reset expectations, fits that profile. No agreement has been finalized, and discussions remain exploratory. But in an NFL offseason often dominated by money and optics, Patullo’s decision to invest $2 million just to choose his own direction sends a clear message. Sometimes, the most telling move isn’t chasing the biggest contract — it’s choosing the place where you believe your work, and your voice, truly matter.