Caleb Williams says he wasn’t sure he’d like Chicago before the Bears drafted him in 2024

Before the Chicago Bears selected first overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, there was plenty of chatter about who they’d pick.

The consensus was Caleb Williams, QB from the University of Southern California. His elite arm talent and athleticism had drawn comparisons to MVP Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and other big-name signal callers.

However, even with his impressive collegiate tape, many scouts wondered how his maturity would translate to the NFL. Even his coach, Ben Johnson, has weighed in.

Williams’ play over his first two seasons has since made those individuals doubt the earlier claims. He led the Bears to a division championship and a playoff win in his second season, earning support from many in the process.

Earlier today, the popular YouTube show “Hot Ones” hosted Williams, as he took his shot at the hot wing challenge. Sean Evans hosts the show, and he is a massive Bears fan.

Evans asked whether anything shocked Williams about Chicago when he first arrived.

“I didn’t think I was going to like it that much, to be honest. And then, I fell in love with the city of Chicago. The people, the food, obviously the sports. I’ve got some good friends playing here too: the Cubs (PCA), the Bulls (Matas Buzelis), and other guys.”

Williams went on to praise Chicago’s hospitality and even commented on how clean the city is.

“The people, I’d say, are the biggest thing. I didn’t realize the people were so hospitable. And Chicago is insanely clean; that shocked me.”

This was early in the interview, before the super hot wings were eaten.

Caleb Williams was surprised by the city of Chicago: Was Chicago surprised by him?

I think yes.

Caleb Williams was a polarizing figure in college, well before he entered the NFL. His move with coach Lincoln Riley from Oklahoma to USC was a massive story at the collegiate level, and somewhat foreshadowed what college football would eventually become.

The clip of him getting emotional with his family in the stands was another moment many scrutinized.

Does this kid have what it takes to be a leader of men? Can he handle losing in the NFL?

Well, he was drafted to quarterback hell, and nearly became the Bears’ first 4,000-yard passer last season. That’s an accolade Williams will likely achieve sooner rather than later.

The fans have bought in, literally and figuratively. Williams was ranked 8th in jersey sales across the NFL last year, and will likely continue to climb that list. The city of Chicago may finally have its franchise quarterback.

Caleb has taken all the criticism and begun turning it into something great. It’s clear that this locker room and organization as a whole have bought into him as he enters his third season, and that cannot be understated.

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