Caleb Williams appears to have fallen victim to an embarrᴀssing prank involving a group of boys pretending to be the Bears’ new head coach.
Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is reportedly slated to have an interview for the role on Saturday, following the firing of Matt Eberflus earlier this season.
In a prank which has flooded social media, a group of boys sent a text to a number supposedly belonging to Williams – and then FaceTimed someone resembling the Bears quarterback and No 1 draft pick.
‘Hey Caleb, this is Ben Johnson. Just wanted to reach out ahead of time before it gets released to the media, I will be taking the HC (head coach) job,’ they initially wrote over text.
‘Very excited to work with you in the future. Great things.’ At first, the message drew a skeptical response. ‘Actually? Ben,’ it read.
‘Yes. I wanted you to be the first to know. We will talk more as the season winds down,’ the group responded.
Caleb Williams appears to have fallen victim to a prank pulled by a group of NFL fans
The group later FaceTimed the number and someone resembling Williams answered the call
Williams was selected by the Chicago Bears with the first overall pick of the 2024 NFL draft
This time the recipient – said to be Williams – was more receptive. ‘Okay cool. Sounds good,’ they said.
‘I’m def (definitely) excited for the future! Let’s get this s*** going and turn it around n do what hasn’t been done in years! In the meaning!! F***ing go kill! We’ll talk soon.’
Johnson currently runs the offense for the Detroit Lions, who are preparing for the playoffs as they chase their first ever Super Bowl crown.
After exchanging messages, the group then video called the number and it was answered by someone who bore a strong resemblance to the Bears quarterback.
‘Hey Caleb, it’s me, Ben Johnson,’ one of the boys said, failing to hold in his laughter. ‘Come to the Dolphins, bro!’ another shouted.
After telling his friend to ‘shut up,’ the boy on camera said: ‘You’re a great QB, I’m so glad you’re going to get a new head coach. I don’t know if it’s Ben Johnson. I’m sorry about this.’
The person on the other end of the line, apparently Williams, took the joke in good spirits. ‘All good, all good. Peace out!’ he said, before the pranksters celebrated wildly in their living room.