Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams had plenty to celebrate at the 2026 NFL Honors on Thursday night, both for his own achievements and as a supporter of his teammate.
During the 2025 regular season, Williams set a Bears record with 3,942 passing yards, breaking Erik Kramer’s 3,838-yard mark from 1995. He threw 27 touchdowns with seven interceptions over 17 games, averaging 231.9 yards gained per game. He was sacked only 24 times, down from an NFL-high 68 in his rookie season.
The 24-year-old quarterback enjoyed a breakout season in 2025, with teammate Joe Thuney playing a key role in his success. The 10-year veteran guard allowed zero sacks over 643 pass-blocking snaps, keeping Williams upright and protected all season.
Together, they powered Chicago’s offense and helped the Bears capture their first NFC North title since 2018 and their first playoff win since 2011.
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) celebrates after the game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams’ Perfect Reaction to Joe Thuney’s NFL Protector of the Year Award
Thuney, who just completed his first season in Chicago, won the first-ever Protector of the Year award on Thursday night. The title honors the NFL’s top offensive lineman for elite performance, durability, and leadership. The league announced Thuney’s major accomplishment at the 15th annual NFL Honors ceremony in San Francisco, and Williams reacted immediately.
On Instagram, he posted a story that read, “Yall thought it was gonna be someone else?!?” The message clearly showed his admiration, respect, and gratitude for the lineman who helped make his career-best season possible.
Caleb Williams reacts to Joe Thuney winning Protector of the Year
(via @ayeeecaleb on IG) pic.twitter.com/kPwFSG3dgX
— Paolo Songco (@PaoloSongcoNBA) February 6, 2026
It wasn’t a surprise that Williams celebrated Thuney’s big win. He has always been a big fan of Thuney, calling the 33-year-old guard “the best in the world” when he earned the nomination for the said award.
Williams also won at the ceremony. The NFL honored his 46-yard, walk-off overtime touchdown pass to wide receiver DJ Moore in the Bears’ 22-16 comeback victory over the Green Bay Packers in Week 16 as the 2025 Moment of the Year.
The play capped one of Chicago’s most memorable wins and showcased Williams’ ability to perform under pressure. Moore accepted both awards on behalf of the duo.
As the Bears look ahead, Williams and Thuney remain central to the team’s future, guiding a lineup ready to build on last season’s success.
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