Caleb Williams didn’t need a touchdown pass or a highlight scramble to win the internet this time. The Chicago Bears’ sophomore quarterback went viral before the game even kicked off, all because he chose heart over routine during a moment most fans barely notice.
In a league where player introductions are usually a predictable roll call of colleges and bravado, Williams flipped the script. And in doing so, he reminded everyone why Chicago believes it found more than just a franchise quarterback.
Caleb Williams Gave a Shoutout to His Mom, Danye Price, Instead of the USC Trojans
During ESPN’s player introduction segment, Williams was expected to follow the familiar formula and shout out his college, USC. Meaning, instead of the expected “Caleb Williams, USC Trojans,” the No. 1 pick from the 2024 NFL Draft paused and said, “Caleb Williams, shoutout mom.” That’s it. No college shoutout. No self-promo. Just a public thank-you to the woman who raised him, right in front of millions of viewers.
“You’re all good, you’re holding it in, being the man, and then you get around your mom, and it just all started flowing out,” Williams once said, talking about his mom, Danye Price. He was born to Price and Carl Williams on Nov. 18, 2001.
But the Bears QB’s love for mom is not unknown to the NFL world. The New England Patriots’ legendary tight end, Rob Gronkowski, once called Williams “Mama’s boy.” Gronk was reacting to an incident when the former USC Trojans QB poured everything into the game, and they then lost to the Washington Huskies with a 52-42 final score.
“Caleb Williams, shoutout mom.” 😂
(📺: NBC)
pic.twitter.com/tDN0vKzK5x— 📸 (@archive1517) December 29, 2025
After the loss, Williams went to the stands where his mom was, and he cried like a baby. Talking about that game, Williams said to USA Today, “I go out every single day, blood, sweat, and tears. I give my all on every single play, every chance that I get. I’ve been an advocate for mental health, show your emotions, and express yourself.”
But that down-to-earth behavior hasn’t stopped Williams from producing on the field. In the 2025 NFL season, the second-year passer has quietly put up legitimate top-tier numbers for a championship contender. He currently ranks 18th in PFSN’s QB Impact metrics.
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Through 17 games, he’s thrown for about 3,730 yards and 25 touchdowns with just 6 interceptions, ranking among the league’s more efficient starters. He sits top-11 in passing yards and touchdowns while keeping turnovers low, an impressive feat for a young signal-caller.
Williams’ growth is a big part of why the Bears (11–5) are serious NFC North and playoff contenders. In Sunday night’s shootout loss to the 49ers, Williams threw for 330 yards and two touchdowns, narrowly missing a franchise single-season 4,000-yard mark.
Chicago’s success hasn’t just been statistical. Williams orchestrated a dramatic overtime win over the Packers earlier in the year, throwing a 46-yard game-winning touchdown and cementing his role as the face of the franchise. HC Ben Johnson has also praised him, saying, “What I’ve been blown away with is his competitive drive. He loves football. He wants to be great.”
And the story has now continued till Week 18, where the Bears are 11-5 and leading the NFC North division. The regular-season finale gives Williams one last proving ground in Week 18, when the Bears host the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field on Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET. With playoff games on the line, Chicago will lean on Williams’ poise and decision-making.
