Caleb Williams is not your normal Chicago Bears quarterback. Going back several decades, most who have played the position rarely fell into the category of “clutch.” Jay Cutler had his share of memorable moments, as did Jim McMahon. However, none of them ever really claimed the title of late-game magician. Williams is different. He already has seven 4th quarter comebacks in his career and should probably have at least nine. It isn’t even the end of his second season yet. People wonder where this ability came from.
Williams was asked about it at his recent press conference. He stated that this mentality started when he was a kid. He always wants the ball in his hands when the game is on the line. That included the moment in Green Bay on Sunday where he was throwing to Cole Kmet in the end zone. While it ended in an interception, the only thing Williams regrets is that he didn’t throw a better ball. He would make that throw again every time. Where does this confidence come from?
Williams dropped a Michael Jordan quote to describe it.
Caleb Williams picked the right man to emulate.
Jordan is obviously the pinnacle of professional sports in Chicago. He won six championships with the Chicago Bulls in the 1990s, largely thanks to his incredible ability to perform in crunch time. Jordan still holds the NBA record with nine game-winning shots at the buzzer. That includes one to clinch his sixth championship in 1998. Nobody wanted the ball more when it mattered than Jordan. Caleb Williams is wired the same way. It doesn’t matter if some of his shots miss. He will keep shooting, always believing the next one is going in.
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You will find that this is a mentality most of the great ones share, regardless of sports. They don’t fear the big moments. They live for them. It is what they dreamed about growing up as kids. It’s getting the ball with three seconds left to take the last shot. It is taking over with two minutes left, down four and needing a touchdown. Or it’s the bottom of the ninth, bases loaded, and a full count. Williams never stopped thinking that way, and it’s serving him well as he continues to grow in Chicago.
