Before J.J. McCarthy signed with the Minnesota Vikings, he was almost the Chicago Bears’ top quarterback pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, according to Bears quarterbacks coach Greg Holcomb. This near-decision adds a dramatic layer to the Bears’ choice of Caleb Williams as the first overall selection, highlighting the intense debate behind the scenes.
During a youth quarterbacks camp near Chicago, Holcomb shared insights into conversations with Bears general manager Ryan Poles, revealing how close the organization came to selecting McCarthy instead of Williams.
“He was talking about how much they loved J.J.,”
Holcomb recalled.
“And said to me, ‘I don’t think people realize how close we were to possibly taking him.’”
—Greg Holcomb, quarterbacks coach
Inside the Decision: Poles’ Weighing of Two Quarterback Prospects
The Bears’ final selection of Caleb Williams as the No. 1 overall pick underscores the difficult choices NFL teams face when projecting future franchise quarterbacks. Poles’ consideration of McCarthy, valued with a potential $21.8 million contract, shows the level of confidence Chicago had in his abilities close to home. Yet, Williams’ skill set and potential ultimately tilted the decision in his favor.
McCarthy distinguished himself with meticulous preparation and a strong work ethic, characteristics that impressed coaches and scouts alike. Although McCarthy’s path veered from Chicago to Minnesota, fate has aligned the two quarterbacks for a notable opening to the 2025 season, as McCarthy’s first start as a Viking will come against the Bears in a prime-time Monday Night Football game.
“The first game of the season,”
Holcomb said, marveling at the timing.
“Seriously. The team for the city you lived in. Prime time. Your first start.”
—Greg Holcomb, quarterbacks coach
How the Vikings Managed McCarthy’s Development Following Injury
Despite the Vikings’ impressive 14–3 record last season, their rookie quarterback faced setbacks due to a torn meniscus, which kept him off the practice field under NFL protocols. Rather than sidelining him indefinitely, Minnesota’s head coach Kevin O’Connell devised a unique plan to support McCarthy’s growth during recovery and maintain his engagement with the team.
O’Connell dedicated a weekly hour exclusively for McCarthy, free from typical game-day preparation or film study, creating a protected space to foster development on and off the field.
“I just wanted to give him a platform with me,”
O’Connell explained.
“Maybe it was football one day. Maybe it was no football. My time is very hard to find during the season, but I just wanted to make sure that we got together.”
—Kevin O’Connell, Minnesota Vikings head coach
The content of these sessions varied between schematic discussions and personal check-ins, but McCarthy’s eagerness to learn impressed O’Connell. Prepared and inquisitive, the rookie turned these meetings into valuable learning opportunities, demonstrating resilience and commitment despite missing physical practice time.
The Upcoming Showdown: A Storybook NFL Opener
McCarthy’s anticipated NFL debut in the Bears’ home city adds emotional weight to the Monday Night Football game scheduled for September 9. This matchup not only pits two talented young quarterbacks against each other but also represents a chapter in McCarthy’s journey that nearly saw him become Chicago’s leading player. For the Bears, Caleb Williams represents their future hopes, while McCarthy’s story of recovery and learning under O’Connell’s guidance provides hope and tension for Minnesota fans.
This contest is poised to be one of the most anticipated games of the season, symbolizing both a crossroads for the Bears and a moment of redemption for McCarthy. The outcome will shape narratives around both quarterbacks and their respective franchises moving forward.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Caleb Williams autosexual?
A. Caleb Williams has revealed that he identifies as “autosexual.” Autosexuality is when a person is mainly attracted to themselves in a sexual way.
Q. What happened to Caleb Williams?
A. Williams entered the transfer portal on January 3, 2022. By February 1, he announced he would play for the University of Southern California Trojans. This move reunited him with head coach Lincoln Riley, who was previously the head coach for the Sooners before he joined the Trojans.
Q. Why does Caleb Williams wear #18?
A. Caleb Williams explained why he wore the number 18: “I wore it in high school and won a championship with it. I knew that a 13-year veteran, Keenan Allen, a Hall of Famer, already had that number. There wasn’t much debate about it.” Caleb did ask, but then said, “Okay, cool, I’ll choose another number.”
Q. Why did Caleb Williams cry after the game?
A. “I was sitting there feeling exhausted and like I had lost,” Williams remembered. “But when I stood up and hugged my mom, I broke down crying.” For Williams, those tears didn’t show weakness—they reflected how much he cared about the game.