The Chicago Bears dramatically improved in the 2025 season, finishing 11‑6 after a 3‑14 record the previous year. They won the NFC North title and recorded the team’s first playoff victory in 15 years. At the center of this historic turnaround was quarterback Caleb Williams, who excelled behind an improved offensive line.
Williams emerged as a breakout star last season, establishing himself as one of the NFL’s top young quarterbacks. In his sophomore campaign, the 24-year-old set a Bears passing record with 3,942 yards, surpassing Erik Kramer’s 3,838-yard mark.
Over 17 games, he threw 27 touchdowns against seven interceptions, averaging 231.9 yards per game. He was also sacked just 24 times, a dramatic drop from the 68 he endured in his rookie season.
Much of this dramatic improvement came from center Drew Dalman, who joined the Bears from the Atlanta Falcons last March. Dalman, who earned his first career Pro Bowl nod in 2025, led the team’s rebuilt offensive line and organized blocking schemes. He helped keep Williams protected all season, dramatically reducing the number of sacks he took.
Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams saddened by Drew Dalman’s retirement, posts emotional tribute
Dalman signed a three-year, $42 million contract with the Bears, but his time in Chicago ended after just one season. According to ESPN, the veteran center notified the team that he is retiring from the NFL. Dalman’s decision to retire at 27 came as a surprise to Williams and the rest of the team.
The news saddened Williams, who had developed a close personal bond with the center. Upon hearing the news, he took to social media to share his reaction. The quarterback posted a photo on his Instagram stories showing him and Dalman shaking hands on the field, accompanied by a personal message.
‘There he is’… 4eva! Appreciate you! And gonna miss ya big guy!! Enjoy retirement,” Williams wrote.
Williams nicknamed his 2025 starting offensive line “The Avengers,” calling Dalman The Hulk to represent his strength and intelligence. The rest of the team included left tackle Ozzy Trapilo as Wolverine, left guard Joe Thuney as Doctor Strange, right guard Jonah Jackson as Red Hulk, and right tackle Darnell Wright as Winter Soldier, or Bucky.
Dalman’s retirement leaves the Chicago Bears with a big hole to fill before the 2026 season. The move frees up several million in salary cap space. However, the Bears must still find a new Hulk to protect their star quarterback.
As the Bears work to replace him, Dalman’s legacy remains tied to the season that cemented Williams as the team’s cornerstone quarterback.
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