The Chicago Bears picked USC quarterback Caleb Williams as the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL draft, putting an end to months of speculation. Although Williams has yet to prove himself on the NFL stage, he has already made waves by breaking a record previously held by Caitlin Clark.
His draft night merchandise sales with Fanatics surpassed any other draft pick in any sport, eclipsing the record set by Clark during the 2024 WNBA draft.
While the exact figures for the former USC star’s merchandise sales remain undisclosed, the Bears have announced that he will wear the number 18 jersey as he embarks on his NFL journey.
Williams’ record-breaking merchandise sales highlight the excitement among Bears fans for their new quarterback. This enthusiasm also signifies a swift transition from former quarterback Justin Fields, who was recently traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Before the USC Trojans’ star embraces the limelight of the 2024 NFL draft, the Bears have made significant efforts to create an ideal environment for Williams’ development. With a strong supporting cast, including an improved offensive line, and the potential for a top-five defense, coupled with a new quarterback-friendly offensive coordinator, the star quarterback now has all the tools to thrive in Chicago.
Caleb Williams embraces the spotlight in the 2024 NFL draft
Caleb Williams was acutely aware before the draft that he had assumed the mantle of the top prospect, which was evident in his decision to enter the NFL draft independently.
As the coveted quarterback, he understood the intense scrutiny awaiting him, especially in a city hungry for sustained success. Hence, the star quarterback embraced the challenge head-on during his inaugural press conference as the newest addition to the Bears roster.
“I’m always going to have scrutiny. I do things like paint my nails. I’m always going to have scrutiny over that. I wear funky clothes, things like that. So you know. Just do my job on the football field and win games. I think if you win a bunch of games here, you’ll make a lot of people, the majority, happy,” he said, per Outlook.
The Bears’ draft selection of Williams signals a potential turning point for the franchise, which has struggled to make significant playoff appearances since its last Super Bowl run in 2006. With Williams onboard, there’s a sense of optimism surrounding the team, hinting at a potential resurgence in the near future.
Dubbed as a “generational talent,” Williams is poised to make his mark in the NFL, aiming to surpass the legendary Tom Brady’s record of seven Super Bowl victories. However, he faces challenges beyond the football field, as former player Deion Sanders cautioned him about the demanding environment of Chicago.
