Caleb Williams is finally an official member of the Chicago Bears. After months of waiting, the speculation is over. The organization was ready to start fresh at the position. Many feel Williams is the best prospect to come out of college since Andrew Luck. It isn’t a surprise the Bears gravitated to him. They already knew he was talented. What GM Ryan Poles had to figure out was whether Williams had the mental fortitude to handle playing in a high-pressure city like Chicago. After multiple meetings, they became convinced he was their guy.
Next on the agenda is getting the quarterback situated with his gear. One would think he’d get his jersey number, which was #13 at both Oklahoma and USC. However, it appears those assumptions are mistaken. Before the start of the 1st round, Williams was asked about wearing his usual number. His reply indicated that might not be in the plan.
Not long after this happened, a photo leaked online of a jersey in the Bears locker room. It was Keenan Allen’s jersey, which was #13. That might be the Hall of Famer Williams was referring to. Presuming this is the case, it means the quarterback is about to find a new number.
Caleb Williams likely goes one of two ways.
He’s made it clear over the years that he is a big Aaron Rodgers fan. That means he could go for #12. However, it’s worth mentioning Williams wore #18 in high school. There were also rumblings that people couldn’t customize #18 Bears jerseys ahead of the draft. That was a glaring sign it was a number Williams could take. If that proves true, he will join former Bears favorites like Mike Tomczak and Kyle Orton donning that number. It is also a number this writer selfishly loves as a Peyton Manning fan. It also helps the Bears avoid the bad luck of #13, which hasn’t treated the organization well over the years.
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Caleb Williams has a clean slate. There won’t be any competition. He has a proven offensive coordinator and a strong supporting cast. If he’s as good as people say, the Bears’ destiny may finally change. The volume of #18 jersey sales could get crazy. One can only imagine where things will go if Williams actually turns out to be good.
**************************UPDATE*******************************
Sure enough, mere minutes after publishing this article, the Bears announced it would be a jersey swap. Williams will wear #18 in Chicago.
I would enjoy Williams asking the owner if he could borrow Papa Bear’s number 7 for his Bear career. This would be so symbolic on many fronts. His jersey would need to carry a special tip of the hat to GSH if allowed. They will sell forever.
Irony or providence. Caleb also said his dreams were to be drafted #1, check. And now he wants to surpass Brady’s record of 7 Super Bowl wins, 8.
No 18 is fitting.
Saw Robert DeNiro in “The Fan” about a mere number switch just last week. Remember, it could happen to you.
There was a #1 pick a few years ago that wore #18 too. He’s some shmuck all over TV with his brother now. I think he won a couple of Super Bowls too
No surprises. Let’s hope he rocks it out.