Caleb Williams emphasizes the importance of communication and repeated practice in building rapport with new center Garrett Bradbury after the retirement of Drew Dalman. The Bears acquired Bradbury from the Patriots to strengthen their offensive line.
Key points
Caleb Williams emphasizes communication with Garrett Bradbury
Bears traded for Bradbury after Drew Dalman's retirement
Dalman was key to the offensive line's success
Ben Johnson believes Bradbury will fit well with the team
Chicago BearsNew England Patriots
Bears' Caleb Williams on key to building rapport with Garrett Bradbury
One of the biggest shocks of the Chicago Bears' offseason was the retirement of Pro Bowl center Drew Dalman after just one season with the team. Dalman was instrumental to the offensive line's success, as well as quarterback Caleb Williams' development.
Williams sounded off on the addition of Bradbury, where he explained that the key to them getting on the same page is repeated reps and communication, something that Williams accomplished with Dalman last offseason.
Unknown date & location, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton (34) carries the ball during the 1987 season. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
Q&A
What did Caleb Williams say about building rapport with Garrett Bradbury?
Caleb Williams highlighted that repeated reps and communication are crucial for developing rapport with Garrett Bradbury.
Why did the Chicago Bears trade for Garrett Bradbury?
The Bears traded for Garrett Bradbury to fill the void left by the retirement of Pro Bowl center Drew Dalman and to enhance their offensive line.
How did Drew Dalman's retirement impact the Bears' offensive line?
Drew Dalman's retirement was a significant loss for the Bears, as he played a key role in the offensive line's success and Caleb Williams' development.
What is Ben Johnson's opinion on Garrett Bradbury joining the Bears?
Head coach Ben Johnson believes that Garrett Bradbury will fit well with the Bears, stating he is going to 'fit us like a glove.'
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Oct 29, 1972; St. Louis, MO, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears linebacker Dick Butkus (51) in action against the Chicago Bears at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Herb Weitman-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 24, 1985; Chicago, IL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears lineman Dan Hampton defensive end Dan Hampton (99) in action against the Atlanta Falcons at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 28, 1969; St. Louis, MO, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears running back Gayle Sayers (40) in action against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Bears 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Herb Weitman-USA TODAY Sports
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Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears celebrates after defeating the Carolina Panthers at Soldier Field in October.
Unknown date; Los Angeles, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears tight end Mike Ditka (89) on the bench agains the Los Angeles Rams at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Darryl Norenberg-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 26, 1986; New Orleans, LA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears quarterback Jim McMahon (9) throws the ball against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl XX at the Superdome. The Bears defeated the Patriots 46-10. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 23, 2019; Landover, MD, USA; Chicago Bears guard Kyle Long (75) stands on the field during the first half against the Washington Redskins at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 2, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland (84) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals during the fourth quarter at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images
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26 Jan 1986: Quarterback Steve Fuller #4 of the New England Patriots prepares to pass as teammate offensive lineman Jim Covert #74 covers during Super Bowl XX game with the Chicago Bears at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Bear
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Jan 7, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Chicago Bears offensive tackle Darnell Wright (58) during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2010; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears defensive tackle Tommie Harris (91) takes the field against the New York Jets at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
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Oct. 27, 1985; Chicago, IL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears linebacker Wilber Marshall (58) in action against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field. The Bears beat the Vikings 27-9. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
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Jan 26, 1986; New Orleans, LA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears linebacker Otis Wilson (55) warms up prior to Super Bowl XX against the New England Patriots at the Superdome. The Bears would defeat the Patriots 46-10. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
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"With Garrett it's reps, now that I've been in it, being able to communicate, being able to speak about the offensive cadence and things like that," Williams said. "I think that's a jumpstart. But it all comes down to reps, seeing how he snaps it and questioning him, him questioning me, us talking, communicating. Then when we get out there, just having the reps like I said.”
Williams and Bradbury won't have a chance to get those reps in until the second phase of the offseason program, where they'll be able to hit the field for the first time. In order for the Bears offense to maintain its success in 2026, Williams and Bradbury are going to need to be on the same page, so it'll certainly be a focal point throughout the offseason and summer.
