On Jan. 18, Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams was in attendance for his alma mater’s college basketball team, the University of Southern California Trojans. The game between USC and the Wisconsin Badgers finished 84-69 in favor of Wisconsin. Fans on social media were quick to highlight Williams’ presence at the game with a wrap on his wrist and a new haircut.
Williams’ Bears are amid a head coaching search after the franchise fired its boss Matt Eberflus after a Thanksgiving Day showdown against the Detroit Lions. The end of that game was only one of the many faults made by the Bears team, which finished the regular season with a 5-12 record and a last-place finish in the NFC North division, failing to qualify for the NFL playoffs.
Social Media Reaction to Caleb Williams at USC Basketball Game
The Big Ten Network posted a video of Williams courtside at the big game to the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter).
“Former @uscfb QB (and current @ChicagoBears QB) Caleb Williams is here for the Wisconsin/USC showdown,” the post highlighted.
Former @uscfb QB (and current @ChicagoBears QB) Caleb Williams is here for the Wisconsin/USC showdown 🤩#B1GMBBall on @BigTenNetwork 📺 pic.twitter.com/7IawhgMYyi
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) January 18, 2025
In response, one social media user was quick to notice Williams’ new look.
“Finally a haircut,” they detailed.
Finally a haircut
— Caiden Turner (@caidenturner130) January 18, 2025
One individual who appears to be a Bears fan intently questioned why Williams was wearing a wrap on his wrist.
“Ummmm cast???!!,” they stated.
Ummmm cast???!!
— TysHIM Bagent🐻⬇️ (@TysonBagentSZN) January 18, 2025
Though fans were concerned with the state of Williams’ hand and wrist after the video emerged, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport confirmed on X that it was a minor injury and that Williams would be fine.
“Bears QB Caleb Williams had a cyst removed, which is why he’s wearing the cast on his hand. It’s minor, he’s fine,” Rapoport confirmed.
#Bears QB Caleb Williams had a cyst removed, which is why he’s wearing the cast on his hand. It’s minor, he’s fine. https://t.co/DAyuhtwdtD
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 18, 2025
Williams’ Debut Season in the NFL
Williams had an up-and-down first season in the NFL. Though his team had an all-around disappointing campaign and fell well short of preseason expectations, Williams still showed flashes of why the Bears took him at No. 1 last year, and that he could finally be the long-term solution for the historic Chicago franchise at quarterback.
On the year, he had 3,541 passing yards, 20 touchdown passes, and only six interceptions. Furthermore, he added 489 yards on the ground in a rushing capacity as well. However, he was the league’s most sacked quarterback (68) by a fair margin (+16), something that unquestionably impacted his play and ability to consistently move the ball this year.