Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Ben Johnson share negative media comments with Caleb Williams?
Ben Johnson uses negative media coverage as a motivational tool to keep Caleb Williams fired up and hungry to improve. He admitted to FOX 32's Cassie Carlson that he'll do what is necessary to get his players juiced up to attack every day.
How did Ben Johnson respond when asked about funneling negative media to Caleb Williams?
Johnson grinned and admitted he'll do what is necessary to get his players motivated, saying Williams 'certainly sees what's going on out there, whether it's some negativity that adds a little bit.' He didn't deny the tactic.
Which other NFL coaches have used the media to motivate their players?
Bill Parcells was famous for it with the 1980s New York Giants, and Jimmy Johnson did the same with the Dallas Cowboys. Doug Pederson, Rex Ryan, Mike McCarthy, and Dan Campbell have also dabbled in the tactic.
Does Ben Johnson use negative media as a motivational tool on all of his players?
No, Johnson typically leaves his players to their own devices and only steps in when he feels they aren't bringing enough intensity. The key is identifying which players will respond positively to the tactic, and Caleb Williams is clearly one of them.
Why is Caleb Williams a good fit for Ben Johnson's media motivation strategy?
Williams has an online presence and uses negative energy to fuel his desire to improve, which Johnson recognized after spending the past year getting to know his quarterback. Johnson even said having a quarterback like that makes his job easier.
Erik Lambert
I’m a football writer with more than 15 years covering the Chicago Bears. I hold a master’s degree in the Teaching of Writing from Columbia College Chicago, and my work on Sports Mockery has earned more than twenty million views. I focus on providing analysis, context, and reporting on Bears strategy, roster decisions, and team developments, and I’ve shared insight on 670 The Score, ESPN 1000, and football podcasts in the U.S. and Europe.
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