**Rex Grossman Gives Wildly Bold Stat Prediction for Caleb Williams**

As the Chicago Bears prepare for a new era under rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, expectations are understandably high. The 2022 Heisman Trophy winner was selected first overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, and with his arrival, many in Chicago believe the team has finally found its long-awaited franchise quarterback. But no one may be more confident in Williams than former Bears quarterback Rex Grossman, who recently made a bold—and frankly, stunning—prediction about the young passer’s rookie season.

Grossman, who famously led the Bears to a Super Bowl appearance in the 2006 season, didn’t hold back when asked about what he thinks Williams can do in Year One. During an interview on a Chicago sports podcast, Grossman said, *”I think Caleb’s gonna throw for 4,500 yards and 35 touchdowns, minimum. And I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets close to 5,000 yards. He’s got that kind of talent and weapons around him.”*

For context, only a handful of rookie quarterbacks in NFL history have even sniffed the 4,000-yard mark. The current rookie passing yardage record is held by Andrew Luck, who threw for 4,374 yards in 2012. As for touchdown passes, Justin Herbert set the rookie record in 2020 with 31. Grossman’s prediction for Williams would shatter both of those marks and place him among the most prolific rookie passers in league history.

### Why Grossman Believes in Williams

While Grossman’s prediction raised eyebrows, he’s not pulling it entirely out of thin air. He explained that he sees a unique combination of skills in Williams that make him suited for instant success.

*”He’s got the arm talent, the mobility, the pocket awareness—you can tell he sees the field like a vet,”* Grossman said. *”And more importantly, he’s walking into a situation most rookies don’t get. He’s not going to a broken team.”*

Indeed, the Bears have spent the past two offseasons reshaping the roster around their future quarterback. They traded for wide receiver DJ Moore in 2023, signed veteran wideout Keenan Allen in 2024, and selected top wide receiver Rome Odunze with the ninth overall pick in the same draft that brought in Williams. Add in a solid running game led by D’Andre Swift and an improving offensive line, and Grossman’s optimism starts to sound slightly more grounded.

*”I never had that kind of setup when I was in Chicago,”* Grossman joked. *”This kid is walking into a Ferrari compared to what I had.”*

### Still a Tall Order

Even with the upgraded supporting cast, Williams replicating—or surpassing—rookie records would be a tall order. The NFL is a different beast, and rookies often face steep learning curves as they adjust to the speed and complexity of the pro game.

Moreover, new offensive coordinator Shane Waldron will need to tailor his system to Williams’ strengths, while simultaneously helping the quarterback digest an NFL playbook. And while the offensive weapons are impressive on paper, chemistry takes time to develop—especially with a rookie signal-caller leading the charge.

Some analysts have tempered expectations, projecting a more realistic stat line of around 3,500 yards and 20–25 touchdowns for Williams, which would still represent a strong rookie campaign. But for Grossman, those numbers are selling his potential short.

*”I’ve watched his college tape—he’s already playing at an NFL level in terms of reading defenses and extending plays. He’s got that Mahomes vibe, where he can improvise and still make elite throws. If they let him loose, he’s gonna light it up.”*

### Confidence vs. Pressure

Grossman’s remarks have stirred debate among fans and media alike. On one hand, it’s refreshing to see a former Bears quarterback show enthusiasm and belief in the team’s future. On the other hand, such lofty projections could create unnecessary pressure on a player still finding his footing.

Williams, for his part, has remained poised and focused in the early stages of Bears training camp. When asked about the buzz surrounding his potential, he responded with humility: *”I’m not focused on numbers. I just want to win games and help this team succeed. If we do that, the stats will take care of themselves.”*

### Final Thoughts

Rex Grossman’s bold prediction may sound extreme, but it reflects the hope that many in Chicago are feeling. After decades of quarterback instability and frustration, Caleb Williams represents a fresh start—a player with the talent to change the trajectory of a franchise.

Whether he hits Grossman’s sky-high marks or not, one thing is clear: expectations in Chicago haven’t been this high in years. And if Williams comes anywhere close to living up to them, Bears fans might finally have their long-awaited quarterback of the future.