Caleb Williams said he would be ‘excited’ if the Chicago Bears selected him No. 1 in April’s draft.
The former USC quarterback ended any speculation about his plans amid talk about having a preference of where he wanted to play.
‘I’m not pushing any agenda,’ Williams said to ESPN.com. ‘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.’
Chicago still has a decision to make regarding the status of the No. 1 pick and if they are going to be committed to quarterback Justin Fields, who has a 10-28 record as a starter in three seasons with the Bears.
Williams, the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner, said he is looking forward to meeting with the Bears this week at the scouting combine in Indianapolis. He will not participate in throwing drills and plans to showcase those skills at USC’s pro day on March 20.
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‘If I get drafted by the Bears, I’ll be excited,’ Williams said. ‘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.’
Williams completed 68.6% of his passes and threw for 3,633 yards with 30 touchdowns and five interceptions last season for USC.
The 22-year-old Williams is a Washington, D.C. native and said being drafted by the Washington Commanders, who have the No. 2 overall pick, would be ‘cool’ because of the familiarity with the team.
‘There’s a time and place for everything,’ Williams said. ‘My job and my hobby is being at the facility or on the field or watching film. Or relaxing and prepping for the next day or game.
‘My main goal and focus … is to go win games and stay focused on keeping the main goal the main goal.’