Caleb Williams has built a close circle of Chicago sports stars, and two of them are among his most trusted confidants. Bulls forward Matas Buzelis, the franchise's 2024 first-round pick, watched from the training room as Williams led the Bears back from a 21-3 halftime deficit to beat the Green Bay Packers 31-27 in a January wild-card playoff game. Buzelis, a 22-year-old Chicago native, said he understood the significance of the moment even though he doesn't consider himself much of a football fan.
Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong was in a suite at Soldier Field and reacted with equal excitement. He recalled the "crazy throw" Williams made on fourth-and-8 to Rome Odunze, which kept a touchdown drive alive. "My head was about touching the ceiling," Crow-Armstrong told ESPN. The game helped turn Williams from a rising young quarterback into a national star, and the play was featured on the cover of Madden NFL '27. His "Ice Man" nickname also began generating national buzz, making him the most recognizable face in Chicago sports.
The three friends keep in touch through a group text chat that lights up multiple times a week. They use it to offer encouragement, share TikToks and memes, and plan outings. The players also describe their bond as a friendly competition, with each pushing the others to raise their game. Crow-Armstrong, who is expected to be named the National League MVP on Nov. 12, said the group talks openly and supports one another.
Williams is now entering his third season with the Bears (4-2, 0-2 NFC North), who host the New England Patriots on Thursday on Prime Video. Williams has spent his career learning to manage high expectations, from winning the Heisman Trophy at USC to becoming the No. 1 overall pick. His close circle of peers who understand the pressures of success is a key part of how he stays grounded in Chicago.
Source: ESPN NFL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing