Bears QB Caleb Williams Named Offensive Player of the Year

Second-year quarterback sets franchise records and leads Bears to playoffs

Jan. 28, 2026 at 10:47pm

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Caleb Williams, the Chicago Bears' young quarterback, has been named the team's Offensive Player of the Year after a breakout second season. Williams set a franchise record with 3,942 passing yards and threw for 27 touchdowns with only 7 interceptions. He also displayed clutch play late in games, earning the nickname "Iceman" for his ability to lead comebacks, including 7 fourth-quarter comebacks - an NFL record for a QB under 25.

Why it matters

Williams' impressive season has silenced doubters and proven he is the long-term answer at quarterback for the Bears, who have struggled to find stability at the position for decades. His play has raised expectations for the team, and he is seen as having the potential to become one of the NFL's elite quarterbacks.

The details

In his second year, Williams cut his sack numbers from 68 as a rookie down to only 24, showing significant improvement in his pocket presence and decision-making. He also led the Bears to the playoffs, including two key wins over the rival Packers. While he fell just short of 4,000 passing yards, Williams' combination of arm strength, mobility, and clutch play have made him a rising star in the league.

  • Williams set the Bears' franchise record for passing yards in a season with 3,942.
  • He threw 27 touchdowns and only 7 interceptions in the 2025 season.
  • Williams led the Bears to the playoffs, including two wins over the Packers.

The players

Caleb Williams

The Chicago Bears' second-year starting quarterback, who had a breakout season in 2025 and was named the team's Offensive Player of the Year.

Ben Johnson

The Bears' offensive coordinator, who implemented a new offense that Williams thrived in during his second NFL season.

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What they’re saying

“Caleb Williams hasn't missed a start through two seasons, and he cut his sack numbers down from 68 as a rookie to only 24 this season. It was a remarkable one-year turnaround for what was one of the most concerning areas of his game as a rookie.”

— Larry Mayer, Bears Reporter (si.com)

“The fact that two of those wins came against the Packers? Icing on the cake. The fact that the most recent one came in the playoffs? The cherry on top.”

— Larry Mayer, Bears Reporter (si.com)

What’s next

Williams will look to build on his breakout season and lead the Bears to further success in the playoffs and beyond. The team and fans have high expectations for the young quarterback, who is seen as the long-term solution at the position.

The takeaway

Caleb Williams' impressive second season has silenced doubters and proven he is the franchise quarterback the Bears have been searching for. His combination of arm talent, mobility, and clutch play have made him a rising star, and the best is yet to come as he continues to develop under the team's new offensive coordinator.