Had the Chicago Bears found more success on the gridiron last season, chances are Caleb Williams wouldn’t be getting roasted online every other week. But with the spotlight comes constant attention -every move, every word, and every public appearance gets analyzed, often beyond reason. A little constructive criticism never hurt anyone. But honestly, the tone online can sometimes blur into something harsher, even personal. But that’s how it is when you are playing in one of America’s favorite leagues. The love and hate, the praise and the pressure come in equal measure.

Caleb often finds himself the target of trolls online. This week, the Bears’ QB once again found himself in the middle of online conversations. One courtside moment at a Bulls game, and the netizens had jokes flying faster than his autographed ball. But that’s not all. Williams also had some interesting things to say about the nature of friendships in the NFL. But more on that later. First, here’s what sparked the latest round of online reactions toward the QB.

On Wednesday night, the 23-year-old pulled up to the Chicago Bulls vs. Miami Heat game at the United Center. The cameras captured Williams enjoying the game with his friend and teammate John Jackson. During the first half of the game, when the cameras caught a glimpse of the Bears’ QB, he was handed a football. Williams then signed the ball and stood up to throw it into the audience. As the QB chucked the ball high into the stands, he was met with loud cheers from the audience, and the cameras were recording this light, playful moment. But once ESPN reporter Adam Schefter posted the video on his IG, the vibe was not the same as it was at the United Center.

The moment seemed innocent enough, but the comment section flooded with jabs about Caleb’s throw.

Caleb Williams’ viral moment at Bulls game draws criticism

Caleb Williams’ rookie year didn’t exactly live up to the high expectations that come with being the No. 1 overall pick. While his season started on a high note with a win over the Titans in the opener, things quickly took a turn for the worse. The Bears finished with a disappointing 5-12 record, ending up last in the NFC North. Williams still put up 3,541 passing yards and 20 touchdowns, ranking 15th in the league.

Ever since Caleb Williams’ rookie season showing, the online criticism has only grown louder, with trolls seizing every opportunity to take jabs. This time was no different. After the courtside incident at the Bulls game, the comment section flooded with mocking remarks. Fans were quick to point out his struggles, with one saying, “Surprised he didn’t get sacked.” A reference to his 68 sacks during the 2024 season. Others aimed the QB’s throwing skills, with comments like, “Buddy threw an interception,” and “He still throwing an interception 😂.”  Another user added, “He just patted the ball… he’s gonna throw 30 INTs next year 😂😂.”

Well, it looks like the only way to silence the critics now is with his performance on the field. Now, the Bears QB recently also opened up about a different side of his experience in the NFL. On Wednesday, Esquire dropped this month’s cover for their Mavericks of Sports issue. And it features Caleb Williams alongside other standout athletes. One of the writers from Esquire got the chance to catch up with Caleb Williams during his offseason trip to Copenhagen. In the middle of their conversation, the topic of the NFL’s friendly culture came up. When asked what he thought about it, the 23-year-old quarterback didn’t hold back. “I think the NFL game has become very friendly, and I don’t necessarily want to be friends, because I want to keep that competitive advantage,” he said.

Well, the full cover story interview of the Bears QB is out now. Hopefully, his ‘no friends’ mindset fuels a better second year for him in the pros.