Johnson said college achievements do not matter in the NFL, Williams needs to prove himself.

Similar to many Chicago Bears fans, Jaylon Johnson is also awaiting the arrival of Caleb Williams in the windy city. But the Bears All-Pro cornerback has cautioned the departing USC quarterback to cast his ‘Hollywood’ persona away before entering the NFL.

The fifth-year back earned his first All-Pro call-up last season and knows a thing or two about how the league works and who can survive in it. While appearing on the Up and Adams Show, Johnson spoke freely about what should be on Caleb Williams‘ agenda before arriving in Chicago. He advised the 22-year-old to refrain from all the ‘Hollywood stuff.’

You can’t bring that Hollywood stuff into the building, especially with guys who played this game at a high level for consecutive years in the league.

Johnson told Amy Adams, host of the YouTube show

The professional league is very different from college football. Not only does the level of pressure change because players are playing for their livelihood, but their competitive nature also gets several levels of improvement. So many players get selected but never make the first team.

You gotta prove yourself.

Johnson reminded Williams

However, Johnson also understands that if the Bears do draft Williams, it means he will be the No. 1 quarterback. He assured him that the experienced players would do their best to help him get acquainted with the team culture as quickly as possible.

We want him to be the absolute best he can be. That’s what we’re bringing him in for—to win games,.

Johnson added

Chicago CB Jaylon Johnson on how projected no. 1 pick Caleb Williams would be received in the #Bears locker room 🔊🔊@NBAxJay1 @heykayadams pic.twitter.com/q2U9kho6Id

Jaylon Johnson wants to give time for Caleb Williams’ growth

The Chicago Bears made their intention clear of using their No. 1 pick in the 2024 draft and selecting Caleb Williams. They cleared the space for his arrival by trading away Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a conditional sixth-round pick.

Caleb Williams (#13) walks toward the fans after an NCAA, College League, USA football game between Southern California and UCLA at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California. Los Angeles (Image via IMAGO)
Even though Williams never managed to play in the CFP final, the former Trojan is a Heisman Trophy winner. On top of that, he has been compared to the likes of Patrick Mahomes and Joe Burrow. Johnson understands the hype of being a ‘generational talent’, but he is also aware that the transition from college football to the NFL takes time.

You kind of hear all of the comparisons, the ‘generational talent.’ But I think, too, that it’s hard to compare him to Patrick Mahomes and guys like that. Mahomes didn’t come in right away and do what he’s been doing [win three Super Bowls] the last few years in his rookie year. It took him some time.

Johnson told Adams

Johnson is willing to be patient and wait till the day Williams finally manages to blossom as a true NFL quarterback. In college, Williams threw 93 touchdowns to just 14 interceptions with a 169.3 quarterback rate.