As the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, all indications are that the Chicago Bears are going to use the No. 1 overall pick on Caleb Williams.
But before the USC quarterback heads to the Windy City, he might want to brush up on his Bears history.
During an appearance with CBS Sports, Williams was asked which football player he considers to be the GOAT (greatest of all time). And while his answer might have been benign to most, it’s surely to be controversial in Chicago.
“Football, winning, and things like that, mentality, [it’s] Tom Brady,” Williams said, before adding, “my football GOAT is Aaron Rodgers.”
🚨🚨Caleb Williams has revealed his football GOAT 🚨🚨 pic.twitter.com/H550jsUtcj
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) March 4, 2024
For the uninitiated, Rodgers has spent most of his career torturing Bears fans during his time as the quarterback of the Green Bay Packers. He even said as much — in colorful language — during the 2021 season when he told the Chicago crowd, “I own you. All my f***ing life. I own you. I still own you” after rushing for a touchdown during another Packers win at Soldier Field.
Williams didn’t have to say Jim McMahon or Sid Luckman was his GOAT, but just about every answer other than Rodgers or Brett Favre would have sufficed. Based on the smile on his face as he was saying it, the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner seemed to be aware that his answer might land him in hot water with what will likely be his new fanbase.
About Ben Axelrod
Ben Axelrod is a veteran of the sports media landscape, having most recently worked for NBC's Cleveland affiliate, WKYC. Prior to his time in Cleveland, he covered Ohio State football and the Big Ten for outlets including Cox Media Group, Bleacher Report, Scout and Rivals.