This week, concerns about Caleb Williams’ personality traits surfaced in the media, suggesting some NFL teams are apprehensive after he visibly cried following a USC loss.
This reaction was reported to have “scared a lot” of teams, according to a report.
David Fleming quoted a former scout likening Williams to a “Prince playing quarterback,” and an anonymous NFL assistant reportedly compared him unfavorably to Russell Wilson, citing a “lack of self-awareness” from an article in The Athletic. The assistant described Williams as having a vibe of “I’m kind of above everybody,” which could pose challenges in coaching him, especially if he prioritizes his marketing team.
The distinction was apparent when Williams appeared at a media event where, unlike his fellow NFL Draft prospects who wore Nike sweatsuits, he opted for a different attire. This decision comes as Williams is negotiating a significant brand deal, potentially explaining his choice to forgo Nike apparel.
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However, this move and his general demeanor have led to perceptions of him being somewhat of a primadonna.
These perceptions sparked varied reactions online. One fan expressed disappointment, noting that while other draftees dressed uniformly, likely at the NFL’s direction, Williams chose to stand out, which could be divisive in team settings. Another comment suggested Williams’ need to differentiate himself could alienate him from team dynamics, with one observer even speculating that he could “lose a locker room within a year.”
Yet, not all feedback was negative. Some see Williams’ actions as benign and believe that his ability to stir mild controversies may endear him further to certain fans.
As Williams prepares to join a high-profile market like Chicago and a franchise with a complex history like the Bears, it’s clear that he will continue to face intense scrutiny throughout his career.
