Caleb Williams connected with a lot of young fans Saturday, both figuratively and literally.
The Bears rookie quarterback introduced his Caleb Cares Foundation to Chicago by hosting nearly 700 youth from 12 Chicago-area schools at the Dr. Conrad Worrill Track and Field Center at Gately Park on the city's South Side.
Williams spoke to the students about anti-bullying, mental health and youth empowerment. He also threw autographed footballs to nine kids who had been selected as winners of Caleb Cares Hero Awards, which recognize individuals who demonstrate kindness and respect to their classmates and teachers.
"A big reason of why I started [Caleb Cares] is to help out in areas where I would say it's needed, or where it's shown, percentage-wise, that it's needed," Williams said. "It's huge for me to start in places that I can be or have been and been able to reach and use my platform to reach people. So it's great to start it here in Chicago."
Williams established Caleb Cares for kids who are suffering because they don't fit in, promoting and championing that greatness is formed in their differences and what makes children different today will propel them tomorrow.
Williams was taught to give back at a young age. As a student at Gonzaga College High School in Washington, D.C., he served meals to the homeless and helped raise money and collect food for the less fortunate. His devotion to service was instilled by his parents, Carl Williams and Dayna Price, both of whom attended Saturday's event.
"I'm everything I am now because of them," Williams said. "I wouldn't be who I am and doing these things like this without them. They've been tremendous in my life, great role models, so much love to them."
Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams visited the Conrad Worrill Track and Field Center in Chicago to present his Caleb Cares Hero Awards, which recognize students who demonstrate kindness and respect to their classmates and teachers.
Caleb Williams and Caleb Cares Foundation director Patsy Mangas
A large Bears contingent present at Saturday's event included general manager Ryan Poles, coach Matt Eberflus and players DJ Moore, Tyrique Stevenson and John Jackson, who teamed with Williams at USC.
"Part of our mission statement is to affect the community and be a part of the community," Poles said. "So to start his career here and touch so many kids—being a role model but also opening up opportunities—is a really cool thing that he's doing. You want to look up to your favorite players in the city because of their skillsets but also for who they are as people."
"For Caleb to put on an event like this through his foundation shows his maturity and awareness," Eberflus said. "The person is just as impressive as the player, which is what was part of us being drawn to him. I can't wait to see what he continues to do in the community over his time here."
Williams was introduced on stage by Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson before speaking to the students, participating in a Q-and-A session, answering more questions from the crowd and throwing footballs to the award winners. During the Q-and-A, the Bears quarterback discussed how he visualizes being successful, stays positive and writes down his goals. Asked about his most memorable football moments, the first one he mentioned was throwing a 53-yard touchdown pass on a Hail Mary to win a state championship when he was a high school sophomore.
"I'm glad everybody could make it," Williams said. "It makes me feel good that everybody could come out and support and show love and show awareness."
