29 February 2024 , 01:00
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Caleb Williams, the likely top pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, has spoken out about rumours that claim he'll be picky about where he lands.
The Bears are reportedly considering trading their current starting quarterback Justin Fields and may ask Williams to step in under centre right away - but they will first want assurances Williams is committed to the cause.
Despite whispers that he'd rather play for the Washington Commanders, Williams told ESPN: "If I get drafted by the Bears, I'll be excited. If they trade the pick, and I get drafted by someone else, I'm just as excited. Speaking about Chicago, they have a talented team, a talented offense and defense. For anyone to be in that situation, I think they'd be excited."
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"I'm not pushing any agenda. At the end of the day, the Bears have the last say. Regardless of how I feel, I'm not pushing an agenda of, 'Yeah, I want to go. Or no, I don't want to go.' I'm excited for whatever comes."
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He went on: "I'm 22. I didn't really get to see those players. As the saying goes, the legends live on. That's my goal of playing football -- it's not money, it's not fame... it's to be immortal. I want to reach that sense of being a legend. Being at the table ... and having a rightful seat through hard work and energy and time I've put into this game that we all love.
"I'm 22. I didn't really get to see those players. As the saying goes, the legends live on. That's my goal of playing football - it's not money, it's not fame... it's to be immortal. I want to reach that sense of being a legend. Being at the table ... and having a rightful seat through hard work and energy and time I've put into this game that we all love.
"It's appealing to be in a city like that. With legends that you've looked up to ... reach for the standard they set and try to do anything to get there."
The idea of Williams not wanting to play for Chicago has been fueled by US pundits, including Colin Cowherd of FS1, who said the quarterback didn't like the idea of going to the Windy City. However, the analyst walked that back the next day amid backlash.
The Bears have the No. 1 draft pick via the Carolina Panthers, who surrendered the selection in the 2023 trade that landed them placed Bryce Young. Chicago also got wide receiver D.J. Moore in that move.
And Chicago holds their own No. 9 selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, which they could use to either take another receiver or perhaps reinforce their defence.