Caleb Williams at his post-draft press conference (Credit: Jeremy Allen, Michigan Chronicle).
DETROIT—The worst-kept secret in the NFL became official when the Chicago Bears selected Caleb Williams as the top overall pick in the NFL Draft.
The only quarterback the Bears hosted for its pre-draft visit was Williams. When the University of Southern California quarterback had a pro day at his old college, Chicago’s newest signee, Keenan Allen, attended to provide support.
Welcome to Chicago, @CALEBcsw! 🐻⬇️ pic.twitter.com/tnInv8jwYp
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) April 26, 2024
But the writing was really on the wall when the Bears made the controversial decision to trade starting quarterback Justin Fields in March, a move that did not sit well with fans.
By then, it was a foregone conclusion that even a blindfolded blind man stumbling around in a dark cave could see.
Now that he is the Bears’ new QB, here are five facts you should know about Williams.
Caleb Williams is African American and Native American
The quarterback often cites his father, Carl, who is African-American, for walking to the beat of his own drum and giving him his work ethic. His mother, Dayna, of Latin heritage, is the figure he calls his inspiration.
Williams Paints His Fingernails For This Reason
One of Williams’ trademarks is his painted fingernails. He started doing this in high school and painted his nails in college to send messages like this one to opponents. But he doesn’t do it just to make a statement. He paints his nails as an ode to his mother, Dayna, who is a nail technician and also owned and operated a daycare.
As a High School Sophomore, Williams Was Considered the Best Player in His Area
Many sophomore football players scuffle in junior varsity. However, as a sophomore, Williams led his varsity Gonzaga College High School squad to a conference championship. That year, he threw and ran for a combined 36 touchdowns. He was named the 2018-19 Gatorade District of Columbia Football Player of the Year, given to high schoolers who exhibit athletic and academic excellence. In addition to his work on the gridiron and in the classroom, Williams volunteered at a homeless shelter and senior citizen center. Williams would win the Heisman Trophy four years later as USC’s sophomore QB.
He is a Staunch Advocate for Mental Health, Especially for Kids Who Feel Like They Don’t Fit In
His Caleb Cares Foundation aims to prevent bullying, shine a light on mental health and empower young people.
“My mom always cared for kids at the daycare she owned and operated. My dad always seemed to be helping someone out. My high school, Gonzaga College High School in Washington, DC, instilled in me the importance of service. Our motto is “Men for others.” We served meals to the homeless, raised money and held food drives for the less fortunate. As my platform grows, I want to cast a wider net to impact kids. That’s why I founded Caleb Cares,” wrote Williams.
Speaking of mental health awareness, Williams cried after his USC Trojans lost a tough game to Washington, a team that featured future Bears teammate Rome Odunze. He found his mother in the stands and cried in her arms, full football uniform and all.
Caleb Williams was emotional after USC’s loss to Washington pic.twitter.com/6SzGP9Cn4h
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 5, 2023
He was mocked and meme’d for it, but ultimately, Williams wanted that moment to serve as an opportunity to promote mental health awareness.
“That’s who I am,” he told USCFootball.com. “That’s just simply who I am…That was raw emotion. Being human. Being myself. Someone that cares about this team, these guys and winning especially.”
“Me doing just what I did on Saturday, even though it was far from what I was trying to do or anything like that, it showed and spread that awareness that I may talk about when I don’t have tears in my eyes,” he said. “It just shows truth and what I speak…Being authentic is important.”
He and His Girlfriend Coordinated Their Outfits on Draft Night
Williams wore a custom suit by Chrome Hearts, a Los Angeles-based company known for its leather goods. His suit matched his girlfriend’s dress.
According to GQ, Williams and the Custom Hearts designers created the navy-and-silver double-breasted suit, which was conceived and designed “over the course of a number of meetings, design sessions, and fittings this year.”
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