As the Chicago Bears prepare to face the Washington Commanders on Sunday, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams revealed a surprising detail during his media availability this week.
Williams, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, admitted that he's been texting with none other than the Commanders' offensive coordinator, Kliff Kingsbury.
Their connection dates back to Williams' college career at USC, where Kingsbury identified the quarterback's potential early on. The two have maintained mutual respect and stayed in touch throughout Williams' rise to the NFL.
The Bears are 4-2 this season, just one win behind the division-leading Detroit Lions (5-1), and Williams has been pivotal in that success. Williams has passed for 1,317 yards, nine touchdowns and five interceptions.
"I've been texting him back and forth every once in a while, saying, you know, 'Great game' and this and that," Williams told reporters.
Meanwhile, the Washington Commanders, led by No. 2 overall pick Jayden Daniels and Kingsbury's offensive schemes, sit atop the NFC East with a 5-2 record.
Though the two maintain a friendly relationship, Sunday's matchup will see them on opposite sides of the field for the first time since Williams entered the league.
Kingsbury, now tasked with developing Daniels, has been instrumental in shaping Washington's high-powered offense.
Daniels has thrown for 1,410 yards while running for 372 yards, totaling ten touchdowns thus far.
For Williams, the game offers an opportunity to demonstrate his growth as an NFL quarterback under the tutelage of Chicago's staff, while also facing off against a coach who played a part in his early development.
Despite their mutual respect, both teams are looking for crucial wins in this competitive NFC showdown, with Williams and Kingsbury's connection serving as an intriguing subplot to an already important game.
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