Voted on by their teammates, the Bears will have eight season-long captains in 2024, four on offense and four on defense.
Coach Matt Eberflus announced the list to reporters Monday at Halas Hall. It consists of quarterback Caleb Williams, receiver DJ Moore, tight ends Cole Kmet and Marcedes Lewis, linebackers Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards, cornerback Jaylon Johnson and safety Kevin Byard III.
"Really good group of guys," Eberflus said. "I know it's a larger group than we're used to, but we have a bigger group of leadership now than we've had these couple years under our belt. And now we've got this third year going so I really feel strong about those guys. They know the first rule of leadership's leading themselves and being the example we want to see in terms of work ethic, in terms of leadership, in terms of standing up when you have to speak.
"But mostly lead by your actions. How we do things and the standards we hold each other to is so important and our best players have got to show that every single day and they've got to bring it. Those guys do that, and I'm excited about those guys being a big part of our leadership."
Williams is the first Bears rookie to be selected as a season-long captain.
"I haven't had that before," Eberflus said. "That's a really good sign that he's got leadership throughout the entire team."
Eberflus' advice to the rookie quarterback is "just be yourself. Be authentic. Let it come to you, which he's done. He's worked his tail off. He's preparing. He's got great passion into practice and the games. It'll all come to him naturally."
Veteran teammates weren't surprised that Williams was voted a captain.
"He went out there and proved himself, took command of the offense," Moore said.
"He just continues to come in here and be who we want him to be," Johnson added. "I feel like we know why we brought him in here and I feel like he continues to do that, continues to walk in those shoes and just continues to reset the bar for himself. I feel like it's just a step in the right direction for him. I don't think it's a bit of a surprise coming in here being QB1."
It didn't take long for Williams to earn the respect of his teammates.
"I mean, when you come to work every day like he did and go through the things that he had to grow through, especially against the defense," Moore said, "and you see the work that he was putting in day-in and day-out, you can't do anything but respect that and want him to be a captain for you."
Moore was never a captain in five seasons with the Panthers, but he was chosen by his Bears teammates for the second straight year.
"I don't know if it's because I'm popular or I'm a real leader," he said with a smile. "I lead by example. I think it's a little of both. I think it's because I'm like the class clown, but I'm serious at the same time. As soon as we step on the field, I think that's what everybody looks at."
Johnson was honored to receive the honor for the first time.
"Honestly, it's big," he said. "I was surprised. I got a text [from position coach Jon Hoke], and I didn't even believe it."
Last season Johnson was voted to the Pro Bowl and named second-team All-Pro after leading the Bears with a career-high four interceptions, one of which he returned 39 yards for a touchdown, and recording 36 tackles and 10 pass breakups.
While an honor, being named a captain won't change how he approaches the season.
"Kind of one of those things where it's just continue to be myself," Johnson said. "Nothing changes. Just continue to work, continue to lead by example. I feel like that's the biggest thing. But really just for the most part, continue to lead the guys, those around me, continue to be more vocal. The goals and the things that I want to do don't change because of that, but I'm definitely honored to have that 'C' on my chest."
