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Rory McIlroy leaves room in stitches with hilarious response to Caleb Williams question as future NFL QB visits The Players

Rory McIlory is not the biggest NFL fan in the world.

McIlroy had a strong first round at The Players, ending the day seven-under for a tie with Xander Schauffele and Wyndham Clark atop the leaderboard at TPC Sawgrass.

Rory McIlroy was in sharp form for the first round of The Players but was too busy to follow the NFL DraftCredit: Getty
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But when another famous sports name was mentioned, the Northern Ireland star drew a complete blank in a hilarious press conference moment.

A reporter asked McIlroy about Caleb Williams, the former USC star quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner, deciding to follow McIlroy's playing group on Thursday.

"Caleb Williams, never played golf before, probably be the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft ... ," the reporter said.

As the words were spoken, an increasingly confused look appeared on McIlroy's face.

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There was an awkward pause.

Then the silence was broken with laughter.

"OK, OK," McIlory said. "Thank you for telling me what sport he plays."

A large smile appeared over the golfer's face, and it was clear that McIlroy had no idea who Williams was - or that the super-talented QB is expected to become the No. 1 overall pick of the NFL Draft in April and soon join the Chicago Bears.

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McIroy tries to figure out who he's being asked about and whyCredit: PGA Tour
Caleb Williams definitely knew who McIlroy was while watching The Players up close
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Williams was a big deal at USC and could cross paths with McIlroy again in the futureCredit: Getty

"Yeah, it's really cool," said McIlroy, describing Williams devoting his free time to The Players tournament and watching McIlroy's group.

But the coolest thing was hearing McIlroy, who has made more than $80million and won 24 PGA Tour events, acknowledging live on camera that he's not keeping up on the NFL Draft and very likely doesn't have a mock draft going.

"Rory still doesn't know which 'football' he meant," a fan jokingly tweeted.

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Another post joked that McIlroy now will never be asked to appear on the ManningCast with Peyton Manning.

Williams has long been viewed as a lock to be the No. 1 pick and could soon share a stage with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell before a worldwide TV audience.

, interacting with fans, taking photographs and walking all over the course.

If Williams does go to the Bears at No. 1 in April, McIlroy will hear his name more.

And if McIlroy keeps winning big tournaments and Williams becomes a true franchise QB in Chicago, this likely won't be the last time that one of the best golfers in the world and the former USC star cross paths in public.

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