Caleb Williams debunks major Chicago Bears' NFL Draft rumor
USC quarterback Caleb Williams has expressed excitement about possibly playing for the Chicago Bears.
This would seem to be a rather mundane statement to make. Still, given the emphasis that many placed on Colin Cowherd's opinion-based reporting that Williams would refuse to play for the Bears, a false narrative was created about the potential top pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Williams officially put that narrative to bed when he spoke with Pete Thamel of ESPN.
"If I get drafted by the Bears, I will be excited. And if they trade the pick, and I get drafted by someone else, I am just as excited. Speaking about Chicago, they have a talented team, a talented offense and defense. For anyone to be in that situation, I think they would be excited."
- Caleb Williams via ESPN
Williams speaking openly about the excitement over the possibility of playing for the Bears comes on the heels of a press conference from Ryan Poles, where there may have been subtle hints toward the team trading incumbent starting quarterback Justin Fields. The Atlanta Falcons are among the teams that have already expressed interest in Fields, with some pegging them as the favorites.
With his comments on Wednesday, Williams checked the first and most important box: he wants to play football for the Bears. Williams' excitement was not just a blanket statement either. In discussing further the impact he wants to have, Williams reflected on the legacies of Chicago legends Michael Jordan and Walter Payton.
"I am 22. I did not really get to see those players. As the saying goes, the legends live on. That is my goal of playing football -- it is not money, it is not fame ... it is to be immortal. I want to reach that sense of being a legend. Being at the table... and having a rightful seat through hard work, energy, and time I have put into this game that we all love.
- Caleb Williams via ESPN
It is appealing to be in a city like that. With legends that you have looked up to ... reach for the standard they set and try to do anything to get there."
Williams saying all the right things is one thing, but the USC product needs to prove it on the field. That is a large part of why the Bears will likely make a change at the quarterback position this off-season. Fields has been a tremendous leader during his first three seasons as the Bears' starting quarterback, but his play left a lot to be desired. The potential is there for Williams to prove that he is an on-the-field upgrade over Fields immediately, and Wednesday's revelation may prove that he is the right person off-the-field to do so.
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