By admin 
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams was forced to change his long-time phone number after falling victim to a prank involving a fake text from Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.
A Rookie QB Caught Off Guard
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams found himself in an embarrassing situation after being duped by a prankster posing as Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. The impersonator sent Williams a text that appeared “so official,” claiming Johnson was set to become the Bears’ next head coach and wanted to discuss the future. The timing seemed plausible to Williams, as the Bears were actively interviewing coaching candidates, with Johnson reportedly among them.
Feeling the need to verify the legitimacy of the message, Williams reached out to Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, a fellow USC alum, to confirm Johnson’s number. This cautious step ultimately revealed the text was a hoax.
Forced to Change a 15-Year-Old Number
The prank didn’t just end with confusion—it led to a significant inconvenience for Williams. The incident forced him to change his phone number, a number he had used for 15 years. Speaking about the experience on the St. Brown Brothers Podcast, hosted by Amon-Ra and Equanimeous St. Brown, Williams explained, “I wasn’t going to save his number because he’s not our coach.” However, the elaborate nature of the prank prompted him to take the drastic step of securing a new number for privacy and security reasons.
A Disruption Amid Critical Offseason Moves
This incident couldn’t have come at a more sensitive time. As the Bears evaluate their coaching options and offseason strategy, Williams is expected to play a pivotal role in the team’s future. Dealing with such distractions is far from ideal for a rookie quarterback preparing to lead one of the NFL’s most storied franchises. The prank highlights how high-profile players must navigate not only on-field pressures but also off-field vulnerabilities in the age of social media and instant communication.
Learning Experience Moving Forward
While embarrassing, this situation serves as a valuable lesson for Williams about the importance of caution in professional sports. The NFL is a high-stakes environment where misinformation and distractions can surface in unexpected ways. Williams now faces the challenge of regaining focus as the Bears continue their search for a head coach and build toward the upcoming season.
This incident, though humiliating, will likely make Williams more vigilant in the future. The young quarterback must now balance the weight of leadership with the awareness that not every message is what it seems.