A rising draft star — the player viewed as the “protector of a future NFL MVP” sends shockwaves by publicly expressing his desire to wear a Detroit Lions uniform just before the Draft

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. 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. I never thought that Caleb Williams would ever be a leader in an NFL locker room. I have to eat crow. Ben Johnson and his over-the-top, macho masculinity has leaked into Caleb Williams, and it’s turned Caleb Williams into the ‘Iceman’. pic.twitter.com/bvmwTX7vIK — Jason Whitlock (@WhitlockJason) January 12, 2026 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 Johnson has consistently emphasized building systems around players’ strengths rather than forcing them into outdated molds — a philosophy that reflects the modern NFL, where creativity, adaptability, and individuality are increasingly valued.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.