‘Everything shuts off’: Bears QB Caleb Williams opens up on his clutch gene

Caleb Williams continues to receive praise for his strong performances in the 2026 season. The Chicago Bears quarterback showcased his clutch genes throughout the campaign, leading the team to seven fourth quarter comebacks. He also showed his cool demeanor under pressure, not getting rattled despite facing must-score situations.

Williams engineered several miraculous come-from-behind victories last year. He guided Chicago to an 11-6 record and won the NFC North with an 11-6 record. They defeated their rivals, the Green Bay Packers, in the Wild Card Round. However, they lost 20-17 in overtime to the Los Angeles Rams in the Divisional Round. The 2022 Heisman Trophy winner proved to the Bears front office that he is the long-term answer at quarterback.

Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears — Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) speaks during Minicamp at Halas Hall.

Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams discusses having a clutch gene

During his “Hot Ones” show appearance, Williams shared his take on having a clutch gene. He stressed that not all have it in them.

“I think some people have it, some people don’t,” Williams said. “I think you can also make it stronger or it can also weaken. So I think part of it’s a mindset and I think some things you can’t put into a lab and say we’re going to look at this or that. I think when it becomes that moment that we need to go score. I take that deep breath right before the moment and then it zones me in and it feels like everything’s shut off.

“And I think part of it comes from the confidence and the hard work that I’ve put in to when I take that deep breath. It goes back to that time where it’s me out in Jacksonville, L.A., working out, throwing to my guys in Chicago, working out. And it snaps me into that mode. And I think the full trust and faith and belief goes into my coaches, my teammates and myself. There’s no academic measure for that dog in you.”

Caleb Williams on having the Clutch Gene:

“I think some people have it, some people don’t. You can make it stronger, or it can weaken. Part of it’s mindset, and some things you just can’t research in a lab. When that moment comes and we need to score, I take that deep breath… pic.twitter.com/fDsgD25YgM

— BearsMuse (@ChiBearsMuse) September 5, 2026

Bears fans are hoping to see more of Williams’ clutch DNA in 2026. The team aims to surpass its achievements last year and has its sights set on a deeper postseason run.