Bears’ Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams Share Playful Barbs After NBA All-Star Weekend

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams’ foray into the NBA’s All-Star Celebrity 3-Point Contest sparked a lighthearted exchange with his head coach, Ben Johnson. Although Williams captivated the NFL during the 2025 season, earning the nickname “Iceman,” Johnson didn’t let his quarterback off easy when it came to his performance on the basketball court.

Johnson’s Good-Natured Trolling

Speaking to reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine on Tuesday, Johnson revealed he sent Williams a meme before the contest, depicting someone repeatedly missing 3-point shots. Johnson admitted he “felt bad” when Williams’ performance mirrored the meme, finishing last in the contest with just four points. Sports Illustrated reported on the exchange.

Williams’ Response

Williams quickly responded to Johnson’s comments on X (formerly Twitter), playfully calling out his coach. He stated Johnson didn’t actually feel bad about his performance, dismissing the sentiment with laughing emojis. Bleacher Report detailed Williams’ response.

All-Star Weekend Performance

The NBA All-Star Celebrity 3-Point Contest, held on February 14, 2026, at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, featured six participants. Despite meeting with USC basketball coach Eric Musselman beforehand, Williams struggled from beyond the arc, scoring the lowest of all competitors. Yahoo Sports provided coverage of the event, noting Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jared McCain won the contest with 12 points in the finals.

Looking Ahead

Despite the playful banter, the exchange highlights the growing rapport between Johnson and Williams. The focus now shifts back to football as Williams prepares for the 2026 NFL season, with expectations continuing to rise for the young quarterback. The good news for the Bears is that Williams is not trading the gridiron for the hardwood anytime soon.