The Chicago Bears selected USC quarterback and 2022 Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams with the first overall choice in the 2024 NFL draft on Thursday afternoon.
The new face of Chicago made a fashion statement in a custom-made navy-colored double-breasted zip-up suit by Chrome Hearts. After embracing his family, Williams walked on stage, full of enthusiasm and excitement, eager to resume his football journey.
When asked about his future aspirations as a Bears player, Williams replied, “Learn all my teammates’ names, their families, learn the playbook, and get ready to go win games,” in an interview with ESPN’s Molly McGrath.
Williams is the sixth Trojan to be selected No. 1 overall, the most by any collegiate football team, following football icons such as Carson Palmer, Keyshawn Johnson, and Ricky Bell. If Williams’ name wasn’t already well-known at USC, this achievement will undoubtedly cement it.
Williams, a native of Washington, D.C., was a 5-star recruit out of high school and will start his collegiate career at Oklahoma in 2021 under Head Coach Lincoln Riley. Initially, he was the backup to predicted fourth-round pick Spencer Rattler.
Williams received his first start six games into his freshman season against then-No. 21 Texas (5-7, 3-6 Big 12). That game, the Longhorns scored 28 points in the first quarter, and Riley needed a new face to match their offensive output. Williams delivered, going 16-25 for 212 yards and two touchdowns, with 88 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground. Williams survived the upset bid 55-48 and continued to start for the Sooners for the remainder of the season.
Riley left Oklahoma the following season to establish his reputation in Southern California, accompanied by Williams.
From his first start in cardinal and gold, Williams breathed new life into the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, which had not existed since the Pete Carroll era. Williams’ 2022 tour included an amazing Heisman run that left many defences stunned – all they could do was watch Williams’ brilliance at work. Williams led the nation in passing touchdowns with 4,537 yards, 382 rushing yards, 52 total touchdowns, and only five interceptions. He also finished third in throwing yards and seventh in passing efficiency. The Trojans finished the season 11-3 overall and 8-1 in Pac-12 play, after going 4-8, 3-6 in 2021. To cap off the season, Williams became the eighth Heisman Trophy winner in school history, propelling USC football to the top of the list.
Williams resumed off right where he left off in 2023, returning to the Heisman Trophy race at the start of the season. Despite falling short twice, he finished with 3,633 throwing yards, 41 total touchdowns, and only five interceptions. Williams also had the nation’s highest clean-pocket rating of 93.4.
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With the No. 123 defence in the Football Bowl Subdivision in terms of total points and yards allowed, Williams’ skill was deemed wasted as USC concluded the year 8-5, 5-4 Pac-12.
This offseason, the Bears restructured their offence, trading 2021 first-round quarterback Justin Fields for six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Keenan Allen and running back D’Andre Swift. Chicago keeps D.J. Moore, who led the team with 96 catches, 1,364 yards, and eight touchdowns last year.
With Williams as Chicago’s new quarterback, Bears fans can look forward to a new era of football. Furthermore, the Bears’ selection concludes a tremendous collegiate career with the Trojans.
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