9 Chicago Bears players as famous HBO characters ahead of NFL Hard Knocks premiere

Football is finally here and perhaps nothing is more symbolic of the sport's triumphant return than the release of the HBO/Max documentary Hard Knocks. The storied series is heading to Halas Hall this year, where they will document the Chicago Bears training camp.

If this year's season is anything like the show's past, viewers and Chicago Bears fans alike can expect an inside look at practice, a few budding fan favorites, team outings, mic'd up sideline content, a rookie show, motivational speeches, and the bittersweet emotions of cutdown day. Debuting originally in 2001, this installment marks the Chicago Bears' first appearance on the show, which has recently added in-season and off-season variations to their series. In celebration of the upcoming show, here is a list of several prominent Chicago Bears figures and their HBO counterparts.

Caleb Williams - Barry Berkman (Barry)

Starring Bill Hader, Barry is a dark comedy that focuses on the dual life of ex-military hitman turned actor Barry Berkman. After stumbling into a local acting class during a job, Barry discovers his ability to perform and tries to remove himself from the criminal underworld of Los Angeles's organized crime. However, as his two lives become more and more inseparable, Barry is forced to choose between the relationships that got him there.

Like Barry, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams is balancing a dual life of his own. On the field, the Heisman winner is a tactical, cut-throat technician capable of eliminating any opponent. Off the field, the soft-spoken leader is a charismatic star who has developed a massive audience after spending two seasons under Hollywood's spotlights. As long as Williams can stay away from the Chechen mafia, the league's most recent first-overall pick should be able to become a full-fledged superstar by finding a balance between these two identities.