Disgruntled Bears supporters may take issue with the most recent likening of Caleb Williams to a prominent figure.
Caleb Williams and the Johnny Manziel Comparison: A Look at the Similarities and Differences
Two dynamic quarterbacks, Caleb Williams and Johnny Manziel, have been compared due to their shared mobility and tendency to run when pressured. However, a closer look reveals significant differences in their career trajectories, physical attributes, and off-field commitment.
Analyst Jason McIntyre pointed out Williams’ pocket statistics, which were lower than average, and compared his pocket nerves and default running instinct to Manziel, whose NFL career ended prematurely due to off-field issues and lack of dedication [1][3].
However, there are key differences that mark their profiles. Williams is viewed as fully committed and physically prepared to improve under a new coaching staff, unlike Manziel who struggled with frequent turnovers, being underprepared, and battles with substance abuse [2][4].
Physically, Williams reportedly has a stronger arm, bigger frame, and better ability to absorb contact compared to Manziel, offering him a potentially longer and more successful career trajectory [4].
In terms of early career treatment, Williams is still being treated somewhat like a rookie needing to relearn aspects of the game, while Manziel's failures came after a tumultuous two years in the NFL and a brief CFL stint [3].
It's worth noting that Manziel was the Heisman Trophy winner out of Texas A&M in 2012, throwing for 3,706 yards and having 26 touchdowns, and also rushing for 1,410 yards and 21 touchdowns that same year [5].
In contrast, Williams won the Heisman with USC in 2022 and was the No.1 pick in the NFL Draft in 2024 [6]. Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles has even gone so far as to compare Williams to Patrick Mahomes [7].
Despite the "Johnny Manziel comparison," many observers stress Williams’ better maturity, physical tools, and commitment as reasons he may not follow Manziel’s troubled path [1][2][4]. The comparison primarily refers to style under pressure rather than overall career outlook.
[1] McIntyre, J. (2023). The Herd with Colin Cowherd. [Radio broadcast] [2] ESPN. (2023). Caleb Williams' commitment to football highlighted. [Online article] [3] Sports Illustrated. (2023). Bears' treatment of Caleb Williams compared to Manziel. [Online article] [4] NFL.com. (2023). Caleb Williams' physical attributes compared to Manziel. [Online article] [5] Texas A&M Athletics. (2012). Johnny Manziel's Heisman-winning season statistics. [Online article] [6] USC Athletics. (2022). Caleb Williams wins Heisman Trophy. [Online article] [7] Chicago Bears. (2023). Ryan Poles compares Caleb Williams to Patrick Mahomes. [Press release]
Although Caleb Williams and Johnny Manziel share similarities in their playstyle, the former's dedication to football and physical attributes may set him apart from Manziel's troubled NFL career, as analyst Jason McIntyre points out. Despite the comparison drawn due to their shared mobility and running instinct when pressured, Williams' stronger arm, bigger frame, and better ability to absorb contact could potentially lead him to a longer and more successful career trajectory, avoiding Manziel's premature NFL exit.
