Caleb Williams Earns Tom Brady’s Praise-Twice-and Shows Why the Bears Are Believing
Caleb Williams has already made plenty of headlines in his young NFL career, but being the only player to earn a spot twice on Tom Brady’s “Player of the Game” list? That’s a different kind of nod.
It’s not just recognition-it’s validation from the greatest to ever do it. And it’s a sign that under Ben Johnson’s guidance, Williams is starting to look like the franchise quarterback Chicago’s been waiting on for decades.
Williams earned his first selection after a breakout performance in Week 3, and his second after a dramatic overtime win in Week 16. Two games, two very different situations, but one consistent theme: Williams was in command.
Week 3: The Spark That Lit the Fire
Let’s rewind to Week 3. The Bears were 0-2, coming off a tough loss to the Lions, and the pressure was already mounting.
That’s when Williams stepped up and delivered a statement game-just under 300 yards through the air, four touchdowns, and most importantly, a 31-14 win over the Cowboys at Soldier Field. It was the Bears’ first win of the season, and it didn’t just get them in the win column-it set the tone.
Williams wasn’t just making plays-he was making the right plays. He looked poised, decisive, and in rhythm with his receivers. And he gave credit where it was due, praising the offensive line for keeping him clean and his receivers for making plays on the perimeter.
“I didn’t get sacked today or nothing like that,” Williams said after the game. “And the guys being out there making plays on the edge.”
That kind of performance doesn’t just boost a quarterback’s confidence-it lifts the entire locker room. Sure enough, the Bears rattled off four straight wins after that game.
They hit a bump against the Ravens, but then responded with five more wins in a row. That Week 3 showing didn’t just spark a win-it ignited a midseason surge.
Week 16: A Signature Moment
Fast forward to Week 16, and the stakes were higher. The Bears were in the thick of the NFC North race, and the opponent was a division rival.
This wasn’t about building momentum-it was about seizing control. And once again, Williams delivered.
This time, it wasn’t about staying on schedule or managing the game. It was about making the play when it mattered most.
And Williams did just that, launching a 46-yard walk-off touchdown to DJ Moore in overtime. Game over.
Statement made.
“You go out there and you practice these things… and you come out and, you know, you let that ball go, you know it’s good,” Williams said.
That’s the kind of confidence that comes from preparation, chemistry, and trust-not just in the scheme, but in the people around you. And that’s what stood out to Brady. Across two very different games-one a breakout performance, the other a clutch, game-winning moment-Williams showed growth, poise, and leadership.
The Bigger Picture
Brady’s recognition isn’t just about the numbers. It’s about the why behind the performance.
In Week 3, it was about executing the offense, staying clean in the pocket, and spreading the ball. In Week 16, it was about seizing the moment, trusting your guy, and making a throw that only a handful of quarterbacks in the league can make.
What ties both moments together is trust-between Williams and his play-caller, his line, his receivers, and most importantly, in himself. That’s what turns promise into production. That’s what turns a rookie quarterback into a franchise cornerstone.
So yes, being named “Player of the Game” by Tom Brady-twice-is a big deal. But the real story is what those games say about where Caleb Williams is headed. And if these performances are any indication, the Bears might finally have their guy.