Caleb Williams Makes Bears History, Eyes 4K Yards

Chicago Bears' QB Shatters Franchise Record with 3,942 Passing Yards

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams has cemented his place in franchise history, breaking the single-season passing record previously held by Erik Kramer. The 2025 NFL season saw Williams throw for 3,942 yards, surpassing Kramer's 1995 mark of 3,838 yards. While Williams fell short of the coveted 4,000-yard milestone, his historic performance highlights a transformative season for both the player and the team.

Breaking Down the Historic Season

Williams' record-breaking achievement came in a Week 18 matchup against the Detroit Lions, where he threw for 212 yards and two touchdowns. This performance pushed him past Kramer's 28-year-old record, solidifying his status as the Bears' most prolific single-season passer. Despite ending the season with 3,942 yards, Williams remains optimistic about reaching the 4,000-yard plateau in future seasons.

"It'd be cool just in the sense of there's never been one here," Williams said of the 4,000-yard goal. "I think I was brought here for those types of things and those types of moments, the things that haven't been done here, to try and be able to accomplish."

The Quest for 4,000 Yards

Heading into the final week of the regular season, Williams needed just 270 passing yards to become the first Bears quarterback to reach 4,000 yards in a single season. Chicago remains the only NFL franchise without a 4,000-yard passer in its history. While Williams ultimately fell short, his consistency throughout the season demonstrated his potential to reach that benchmark in the near future.

Coach Ben Johnson downplayed the significance of the 4,000-yard mark, calling it an "arbitrary number." Johnson emphasized that the team's primary focus remains winning games. "Our No. 1 objective is to win this ballgame," Johnson stated. "Whatever that takes, that's our goal. We'll see where it's at at the end of the year. That's a tertiary goal, if you will."

"I want to be the best quarterback not only for Chicago, but in the league. And that starts with consistency, that starts with me preparing the right way."

— Caleb Williams

Playoff Implications and Future Outlook

Despite falling to the Lions in Week 18, the Bears secured the NFC No. 2 seed thanks to the Eagles' loss. This home-field advantage positions Chicago favorably for the playoffs, where they'll host the Green Bay Packers in a wild-card game. Williams' record-setting season was instrumental in the Bears' turnaround, as they clinched their first NFC North title since 2018.

Williams' development has been a key factor in the Bears' success. He already holds franchise records for fourth-quarter comebacks and game-winning drives. With four games this season surpassing 270 passing yards—including a 330-yard effort against the 49ers—Williams has proven his ability to lead the team in high-stakes situations.

As the Bears prepare for the playoffs, Williams' focus remains on growth and consistency. "I don't get up to be mediocre," he affirmed, signaling his determination to elevate his game and lead Chicago to sustained success.

What's Next for Caleb Williams?

With the single-season record secured, Williams' attention now turns to the postseason and the pursuit of 4,000 yards. As the Bears' franchise quarterback, he carries the weight of expectations to end Chicago's decades-long drought without a 4,000-yard passer. For now, though, the immediate goal is clear: lead the Bears deep into the playoffs and build on this historic season.