Caleb Williams isn’t a member of the Chicago Bears just yet.
But the presumptive No. 1 overall pick has already found a way to offend what will likely be his future fanbase.
During an appearance with CBS Sports, the USC quarterback was asked which football player he considers to be the GOAT (greatest of all time). And Williams’ answer surely wasn’t a popular one in the Windy City, as he gave the honor to one of the Bears’ biggest rivals.
“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
Over the course of his 18 years with the Green Bay Packers, Rodgers amassed a 24-5 record against Chicago, recording more wins against the Bears than any other team he has faced. Rodgers also hasn’t been shy about his dominance over the Packers’ NFC North rival, telling fans at Soldier Field, “I own you. All my f***ing life. I own you. I still own you” after rushing for a touchdown in a Green Bay victory over the Bears in 2021.
While Williams’ comment is benign, it certainly drew a reaction as many fans — including those in Chicago — took to social media to weigh in.
No wonder he doesn’t want to go to CHI lol https://t.co/lcvNCIl5Qz
— Marlon Shamell (@ShamellFit) March 4, 2024
Packers fan & thinks Aaron Rogers is the “GOAT”… yep not meant to be a Bear! Go get the #Haul and build around H1M! 🐻⬇️ https://t.co/PuypHAi9MS
— ImOuTii (@ImOuTii) March 4, 2024
Genius move by Caleb here.
Insisting that his GOAT is Aaron Rodgers is sending a message to Ryan Poles and Chicago that they shouldn't draft him.
Let me be the first to say, welcome back to DC Caleb Williams https://t.co/1TwV8fPAUK
— Billy Tinkle (@BillyTinkleNuts) March 4, 2024
imagine being a bears fan and trying to like this dude after hearing this….😅😅🤣 https://t.co/uOMbTDdUdb
— Eddie (@eduard0vo) March 5, 2024
USC Trojan about to play for the Chicago Bears announces Packers legend who went to Cal Berkeley as his GOAT https://t.co/5Ccb7CeJHr
— Ross Uglem (@RossUglem) March 4, 2024
He trynna do everything he can to get the bears to pass on him 🤣🤣😂 https://t.co/2jB2kjlipT
— Jaleik Waiters (@JaleikW) March 5, 2024
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.