Was Caleb Williams Willing to Play in The UFL Rather Than The Bears?
Quarterback Caleb Williams, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, was so wary of being selected by the Chicago Bears that he and his family explored drastic alternatives—including bypassing the NFL Draft altogether—according to a forthcoming book by ESPN’s Seth Wickersham.
In American Kings: A Biography of the Quarterback, Wickersham details how Williams and his inner circle were deeply concerned about his future if he ended up in Chicago. At one point, they even consulted lawyers about potentially circumventing the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement and reportedly considered signing with the United Football League (UFL) as a way to avoid landing with the Bears.
“Chicago is the place quarterbacks go to die,” said Carl Williams, Caleb’s father, in a candid conversation with Wickersham in the months leading up to the draft.
Caleb, coming off a turbulent final season at USC, was unsure of his next steps and vocalized doubts about playing under then-Bears offensive coordinator Shane Waldron. “Do I want to go there? I don’t think I can do it with Waldron,” he confided to those close to him.
During the NFL Combine, Williams had a promising meeting with Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell. The connection left a strong impression.
“I need to go to the Vikings,” he told his father.
“Let’s do it,” Carl replied.
However, both understood the reality: a trade to a division rival like the Vikings was highly improbable.
Despite the Williams camp’s misgivings, Bears general manager Ryan Poles made the organization’s stance crystal clear: “We’re drafting you no matter what.”
Ultimately, the Bears followed through and selected Williams with the No. 1 overall pick. As the season approached, all eyes remained on Chicago to see whether the highly touted quarterback could break the team’s long-standing struggles at the position—or if the Williams family’s concerns would prove prophetic.
Do you think this is a bad look? I mean the UFL almost had Caleb Williams, could you imagine?
NFL Draft Diamonds was created to assist the underdogs playing the sport. We call them diamonds in the rough. My name is Damond Talbot, I have worked extremely hard to help hundreds of small school players over the past several years, and will continue my mission. We have several contributors on this site, and if they contribute their name and contact will be in the piece above. You can email me at nfldraftdiamonds@gmail.com