Caleb Williams explains how he ‘lost it’ during teary embrace with mother that went viral
Caleb Williams is a heart-on-his-sleeve quarterback who isn't afraid to cry.
The former Trojans star was selected No. 1 overall in this year's NFL Draft and will be the new face of the Chicago Bears.
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One of Williams' greatest qualities is his leadership, which includes his willingness to embrace his vulnerability despite the eyes of the watching world.
The 22-year-old went viral during the 2023 season when he cried in his mother’s arms after his USC team suffered a 10-point loss to Washington.
He spoke about that powerful moment in an interview with former NFL pro Ryan Clark on the eve of this year's draft.
"I was sitting over there, beat up, I was defeated," Williams recalled.
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"Right there, at that moment, I was good. I didn’t start doing all that until I got up there. So, I was walking up to her; I was good, I was good.
"Then I hopped up, and I touched my mom, and I just lost it. Because in my mind, I was going through everything. I was like 'this is it, coming near the end for me'. I can’t get to the Pac-12 Championship. I can’t go to the national playoffs, national championship."
Some thought the incident showed a 'softness' to Williams that would get exposed in the unforgiving pros.
Clark disagrees.
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He thinks Williams' intensity and passion can be a plus for the Bears and hopes the QB doesn't change now he's drafted.
"He knew all team goals were an impossibility, & that his college career would soon end," Clark posted with the clip of Williams discussing the incident.
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"It was emotional for the Heisman winner, but he learned from that moment. There’s a time & place for everything. Winning & losing will always be personal for him. Always has been, & if I’m a @chicagobears’ player or fan I hope it stays that way."
Williams' emotional side may turn some fans off but NFL executives and former teammates 'love him'.
He's unapologetically close with his mother - she's the reason he paints his nails - and isn't afraid to break conventions with a pink iPhone case and unique personal style.
Simply, Williams is a one-of-one personality that has seen him become a one-of-one NFL prospect with comparisons to Patrick Mahomes.
He's by far the best quarterback in a class that's already loaded with top-tier arm talent.
He's the reason the Bears shook up their QB room and sent previous starting signal caller Justin Fields to the Steelers.
Some may question how Williams' temperament adjusts to the NFL but draft insiders say they'd prefer him showing emotion over bad body language any day of the week.
"He is this modern quarterback who’s not afraid to (show emotion)," draft expert Matt Miller exclusively told talkSPORT.
"It’s not like he’s slamming his helmet down on the sideline in frustration. He’s emotional."
"You have a young man who realizes his college football career is over and he’s weeping on the sideline," Miller said of Williams' emotional embrace with his mother.
"I would take that 10 times out of 10 over a guy who’s bumping into his coach on the sideline or slamming his helmet down."
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Williams showed his emotional side on draft day as he wiped tears away after being selected by the Bears.
He appeared hyped up after officially becoming a Bear and embraced the NFL Commissioner on stage in Detroit.
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