Caleb Williams makes subtle plea to play in Hall of Fame Game

It's that time, Chicago Bears fans. Real, live football is just hours away, as the team takes on the Houston Texans on Thursday night in the 2024 NFL Hall of Fame Game.

While the casual fan might be anxious to see rookie quarterback Caleb Williams make his debut, they'll likely have to wait just a little while longer. Historically, the Hall of Fame Game is not a contest where we'll see some of the bigger names hit the field.

In fact, we're not likely to see the majority of starters out there, if any at all.

If you asked the man himself, though, Williams believes there are far more positives than there are, negatives, when it comes to guys like him playing in the early exhibition game:

“I always think there’s more pros than cons in anything, especially for a young guy like myself."

"The reps are always paramount for anybody like myself, a young rookie, a second-year guy, a third-year guy. It’s paramount," Williams said. "It’s really important and we’ll see about these preseason games coming up, how they play out.”

Despite his desire to play, there is no reason for the Bears to let Caleb Williams on the field in Thursday's NFL Hall of Fame Game

No matter which pre-draft narrative you chose to read, believe or question, one thing has become abundantly clear, and that's Williams' true character and desire to win. He is as competitive as they come and has done nothing but say and do all of the right things since entering the building. Teammates and coaches have raved about the type of person and player he is, and his comments about the Hall of Fame Game should come as no surprise.

The reality is, though, Williams' rookie season, and career as a whole, are far too valuable to risk in a meaningless game. Granted, all preseason games can be dubbed "meaningless," within context, but this extra exhibition is, indeed, meaningless.

Once again, this game is more to excite fans and to see live bodies on the field, competing. More than anything else, it's the return of football and reason to celebrate the 2024 Hall of Fame inductees rather than watch a competitive football game between star-studded rosters.

We are very unlikely to see Williams play on Thursday night, but it is inspiring to see the rookie's "no fear" type of attitude and work ethic.

The Bears will likely keep him shelved until they play their second preseason game of the summer Saturday August 10 against the Buffalo Bills.