Caleb Williams Channels Rodgers in Primetime Moment That Bears Fans Won’t Soon Forget
Week 17’s Sunday Night Football clash between the Bears and 49ers delivered the kind of energy you hope for with playoff implications on the line-momentum swings, big plays, and a glimpse into what might be the future of quarterback play in Chicago.
On Chicago’s fourth offensive drive, the Bears found themselves at San Francisco’s 36-yard line after a couple of chunk plays from running back Kyle Monangai-one on the ground, one through the air. That set the stage for Caleb Williams to do what he does best: make something special happen.
And he delivered.
With the 49ers jumping offsides, Williams recognized the free play immediately, kept his composure, and took full advantage. He dropped back, bought just enough time in the pocket, and fired a dart to tight end Colston Loveland for a 36-yard touchdown.
It was the kind of throw that turns heads-tight window, full velocity, and perfect placement. But what really stood out was the awareness.
Williams didn’t just throw a pretty ball-he manipulated the moment, using the defense’s mistake to his advantage.
NBC’s Cris Collinsworth, never shy with a quarterback comparison, didn’t hold back. On the broadcast, he said:
“That was like an Aaron Rodgers there. He got the offside, worked the hard count and then very calmly ... buy a little time ... and just roped it in there.”
Now, that’s a name that carries a lot of weight in Chicago. And not always the good kind.
Rodgers, of course, tormented the Bears for over a decade in Green Bay, and one of his signature moves was exactly what Williams pulled off-baiting defenders with the hard count, drawing the flag, and then punishing the defense with a deep shot. Bears fans have seen that movie too many times, and it rarely ends well for them.
So yes, hearing a Rodgers comparison during a Bears game might hit a little differently. But this time, it came from the other side of the ball. This time, it was their quarterback making the magic happen.
For Bears fans, the idea of having a quarterback capable of that kind of playmaking-of that kind of poise and precision-is still sinking in. It’s been a long search for a franchise QB in Chicago, and while it’s still early in Williams’ career, moments like this one feel significant. Not just because of the touchdown, but because of what it represents: command, confidence, and elite arm talent.
This wasn’t just a highlight-reel throw. It was a signal.
Williams saw the opportunity, seized it, and executed like a seasoned pro. The fact that it drew comparisons to a quarterback who’s owned the NFC North for years?
That’s just the cherry on top.
So no, Caleb Williams isn’t Aaron Rodgers. But if you’re a Bears fan, you don’t need him to be. You just need him to keep doing what he did on that play-read the defense, trust his arm, and take control of the moment.
And if that happens to look a little familiar to Packers fans? Well, maybe it’s about time the NFC North saw that kind of quarterback play in navy and orange.