Bears RB D’Andre Swift gets honest on Caleb Williams’ leadership

D’Andre Swift and the Chicago Bears are just over a week away from opening their 2026 regular season. The team is coming off a strong season led by Caleb Williams. The quarterback proved his doubters wrong by guiding the franchise to an NFC North title and reaching the Divisional Round. He has received a lot of praise for his leadership, including from the veteran running back.

Swift remains Chicago’s RB1 and enjoyed a strong 2025 season. He appeared and started in 16 regular-season games, recording 223 rushing attempts for 1,087 yards and nine touchdowns. The Georgia Bulldogs product added 34 receptions for 299 yards and one score.

Meanwhile, Williams completed 330-of-568 passes for 3,942 yards, 27 touchdowns and seven interceptions. The 24-year-old silenced his critics with his cool demeanor under pressure and showing maturity beyond his years. He added 388 yards for three touchdowns on the ground.

Chicago Bears Caleb Williams — Caleb Williams (18) hands the ball to Chicago Bears running back D’Andre Swift (4) during a game against the Indianapolis Colts.

Chicago Bears: D’Andre Swift opens up on Caleb Williams’ ‘effortless’ leadership

Swift gave his honest take about Williams’ leadership. He emphasized that it keeps growing and that he and the team are seeing him develop it further.

“Kind of the same thing that has been said, just to piggyback off, his leadership continues to grow,” And I see it more and more I’m around him. Second year in the system, everybody knows what we need to do coming off of last year: self scout with everything. And you can tell he’s doing a great job of just going into that leadership role, and it’s effortless for him. I’ll say that.”

“His leadership continues to grow and I see it more and more when I’m around him.”

D’Andre Swift on Caleb Williams: pic.twitter.com/y0gegxdb5C

— CHGO Bears (@CHGO_Bears) September 2, 2026

Swift, Williams and the Bears will play their first game of the 2026 campaign on the road. They will take on the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium before their home opener the following week against the Minnesota Vikings. Swift’s production is crucial as Chicago looks to have a deeper postseason run and contend for a Super Bowl win.