Cam Newton: Caleb Williams' Inability to Make 'Bold Play' Can 'Be His Curse' in NFL
April 25, 2024
Former NFL superstar quarterback Cam Newton reviewed the top six quarterback prospects in the upcoming NFL draft (both the good and the bad) on his 4th and 1 podcast.
Newton had a lot to say about projected No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams, most positively stating that he agreed with comparisons to three-time Super Bowl winner Patrick Mahomes. But he also noted some concerns as well (1:00:25 mark).
"I think his gift can and possibly will be his curse...his inability to make the bold play," Newton said.
He then described the type of moment where people perceive that a quarterback is about to make a big mistake before making a great play.
"And also, how does he manage the expectation?" Newton continued.
"That's the bad. You can't prepare for that. When I see his career and how it stacks up, it is very well-known that he is capable of making plays.
"Obviously, everybody says Caleb Williams' NFL comparison will be Patrick Mahomes...it's a big comparison, I think it's an accurate comparison though, too. He's very skillful while throwing on the run, and when scrambling, he's not just looking to run.
"He's looking to extend the play. He has the capability of making the bold play, but my concern will be how does he manage the expectations of being the projected No. 1, because it's not going to be all peaches and cream, bro. It's not. It is not.
"Mothef--kers get an opportunity to knock your head off, they're gonna try to knock your f--king head off."
Williams already had monstrous expectations in college, and things didn't always go his way, as he previously noted.
Caleb Williams @CALEBcswLet's go back to school again 😂🤦🏽♂️cause I'm bored rn..<br><br>Adversity:<br>"A state or instance of serious or continued difficulty or misfortune." <br><br>Y1. Didn't start freshman year. <br>Y2. Popped hammy championship game 1st Q. Lost bc of my hammy. <br>Y3. 7-5 my last year of college ball. <a href="https://t.co/360cZjUGzD">https://t.co/360cZjUGzD</a>
So he's been through it a bit, but now he's all but certain to head to Chicago, a football-loving city with a historic franchise that hasn't won a Super Bowl since 1985.
With the Bears building up an impressive team over the past two years, expectations will be on Williams' shoulders to bring the Bears to great heights.
Williams is capable of making those bold plays, like Newton referenced, and he'll have to make plenty of them if he's to fulfill expectations and be placed in the top tier of NFL quarterbacks.
For now, though, Williams technically isn't even a Bear yet with the draft not until Thursday at 8 p.m. ET. All eyes will be on him come September, however, as Chicago embarks on a new era.