Caleb Williams considered signing with a UFL team
In a revelation that has sent shockwaves through the football world, it has come to light that USC quarterback Caleb Williams and his father, Carl Williams, actively sought ways to avoid being drafted by the Chicago Bears in the 2024 NFL Draft. Their efforts included exploring legal avenues to circumvent the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement and even contemplating a stint in the United Football League (UFL) as an alternative path to the NFL.
Caleb Williams, widely regarded as one of the most talented quarterbacks to come out of college in recent years, faced a challenging decision leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft. While he had the opportunity to enter the draft, the prospect of being selected by the Chicago Bears, a team with a historically tumultuous relationship with quarterbacks, was less than appealing. Reports indicate that both Caleb and his father were apprehensive about the Bears’ ability to develop and support a young quarterback. Carl Williams was particularly vocal, reportedly stating that Chicago was “the place where quarterbacks go to die.”
In their bid to avoid the Bears, the Williams family considered several unconventional options. One of the most intriguing was the possibility of Caleb playing in the United Football League (UFL), a professional football league that has been attempting to carve out a niche in the American sports landscape. The UFL, while not as established as the NFL, offered an alternative route for players to showcase their talents and potentially catch the eye of NFL scouts. By playing in the UFL, Caleb could have honed his skills in a less pressurized environment, away from the scrutiny and challenges associated with playing for a struggling NFL franchise.
Additionally, the Williams family explored legal avenues to circumvent the NFL’s draft system. This included seeking advice from legal experts on how to navigate the complexities of the collective bargaining agreement, which governs the terms and conditions of player contracts. The goal was to find a way for Caleb to enter the NFL on more favorable terms, without being bound by the constraints of the draft.
Despite the Williams family’s efforts to avoid them, the Chicago Bears remained determined to select Caleb Williams with the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. General Manager Ryan Poles and the Bears’ front office believed that Williams’ talent and potential outweighed any concerns about the team’s quarterback development history. They were confident that with the right coaching and support, Williams could thrive in Chicago.
However, the 2024 season proved to be challenging for both Williams and the Bears. The team finished with a disappointing 5-12 record, and Williams faced significant adversity, including being sacked a league-high 68 times. Despite these challenges, Williams showed resilience, completing 62.5% of his passes for 20 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. His performance, while promising, highlighted the difficulties of playing for a team in transition.
As the 2025 season approaches, the Bears have made changes to their coaching staff, hiring Ben Johnson as the new head coach. The hope is that Johnson’s leadership and offensive acumen will provide the stability and guidance that Williams needs to reach his full potential. For Williams, the upcoming season represents an opportunity to prove himself and validate the Bears’ faith in his abilities.
The saga of Caleb Williams’ draft journey serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges that young athletes face when entering professional sports. While the allure of playing in the NFL is strong, the realities of team dynamics, coaching stability, and organizational support play a significant role in a player’s success. For Caleb Williams, the coming years will be crucial in determining whether his decision to join the Bears was the right one and if he can overcome the obstacles that have stood in his way.
