Caleb Williams welcomes challenge from Ben Johnson

The pop quiz may have been a surprise, but it’s in keeping with what Johnson stated last month during a press conference. Asked about the offseason program, he cautioned that it would not be easy or comfortable for players, saying: “Anything worth doing is hard, so it’s going to take a lot of work, it’s going to take a lot of effort.”

Williams loves that type of mentality and is eager to work with Johnson, who spent the past three seasons coordinating a potent Lions offense. During that span, Detroit averaged a league-high 28.2 points per game and quarterback Jared Goff passed for an average of 4,547 yards and 32 touchdowns per year while being voted to a pair of Pro Bowls.

“I think us growing together is key,” Williams said. “Him pushing me is key. I know that and he knows that. So building that bond, him pushing me and us growing together for years to come is going to be fun. I can’t wait [for him] to be able to help me learn more about ball – because he’s super smart, super sharp – and grow and progress in those ways.”

Williams understands that the work ahead will be difficult. But the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 draft intends to embrace it as he prepares for his second NFL season.

“I’m super excited about it,” Williams said. “Being able to be in this position, being able to have a first year the way I did, ups and downs, and then to be able come in here, be as confident as I was last year or possibly even more and to be able to get here with the group that we have, I really can’t wait to get to work with these guys.

“We’ve got a good group of guys personality-wise, and then obviously talent-wise, it speaks for itself, what some of these guys have been able to do, and so many key pieces that we added so far to this team. We’ve meshed well these past two days of introduction, and now today of our first workout, and [we’re] getting after it.

“We’re all really excited and we can’t wait to put in the work … That doesn’t just mean us putting in time on the board, us being here working out, lifting, getting stronger, faster. It’s also us hanging out in the offseason, building that bond, so that when times do get tough … we fight through it, we get through it, we keep going as a team.”