The Chicago Bears have been connected to Caleb Williams ever since they locked up the #1 pick in the draft a couple of months ago. Since then, the rumors surrounding the two sides have been insane. It started with rumblings that Williams wasn't keen on the idea of going to Chicago, knowing their rough history at the position. Those gave way to widespread belief the Bears were already set on staying put at #1 and taking Williams. Nobody entirely knows what to believe at this point. GM Ryan Poles said no decisions have been made yet. Evaluations are still ongoing.
One thing that hasn't happened up to this point was word from Williams himself. He has avoided the media since the end of USC's season. That finally changed when he sat with ESPN's Pete Thamel ahead of the scouting combine in Indianapolis this week. He set the record straight right away. If the Bears draft him this April, he will be excited. He thinks they have a talented team and would love the opportunity to join it. However, the quote that really stuck out was how he's already studied the city's sports legacy.
It is one he wants to be part of.
Williams said he has been to Chicago once, has heard good things about the rowdiness of Bears fans, and has gone down video rabbit holes studying both Jordan and Payton, two of the city's most iconic athletes.
"I'm 22. I didn't really get to see those players," Williams said. "As the saying goes, the legends live on. That's my goal of playing football -- it's not money, it's not fame … it's 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 and energy and time I've put into this game that we all love.
"It's appealing to be in a city like that. With legends that you've looked up to … reach for the standard they set and try to do anything to get there."
Caleb Williams recognizes the opportunity in front of them.
Many would be intimidated by joining the Bears because of their rough track record at quarterback. However, a certain few would view it as a golden opportunity. Imagine what people would think of Williams if he came in, became a star, and turned the organization into a contender. He would achieve demigod status to rival many Chicago greats. No city in the United States is better at creating mythical sports legends than Chicago. Walter Payton and Michael Jordan are the two pillars of that. Interestingly, Williams embraces that challenge.
Many athletes would be intimidated by it. He isn't shy about setting his goals as high as they can go. That is what competitors do. Caleb Williams has always come across as somebody who wants to be the best. It is reflected in how he plays the game and how he shows his emotions during tough losses. Such players are much desired by NFL teams, especially at the quarterback position. It comes down to whether Williams makes the right impression on Poles and his people.
