Since well before the 2024 NFL Draft, No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams was drawing comparisons to Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs quarterback who is on his way to being one of the league's all-time greats.
In his first two preseason games with the Bears, Williams' performance on the field has underlined the similarities between himself and Kansas City's three-time Super Bowl champion.
Williams' size, athleticism and arm strength are among the attributes that draw comparisons to Mahomes. And now Williams has commented on the the public discourse about the two quarterbacks. Here's everything to know about the comparisons between Williams and Mahomes.
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Caleb Williams-Patrick Mahomes comparisons, explained
Williams, 22, completed a very Mahomes-like pass in the Bears' second preseason game , in which he started and played the entire first half.
His performance against the Bengals was slightly underwhelming until the end of the second quarter, when he connected with fellow rookie Rome Odunze on a 45-yard dart to set himself up for a rushing touchdown a few plays later.
That's just beautiful 🥹
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) August 17, 2024
📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/JOQoHwRRC5
Williams' pass immediately drew comparisons to Mahomes. Despite an average two-quarter showing, during which he completed 6-of-13 passes for 75 yards and a rushing touchdown, Williams' highlight throw to Odunze left Bears fans excited for the franchise quarterback.
Even Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill took notice on social media, saying on X: "Caleb Williams so nice he remind me of ....." While Hill left his thought incomplete, many speculated the Dolphins wide receiver was giving a nod to Mahomes.
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Caleb Williams response to Patrick Mahomes comparisons
After Saturday's 27-3 win for the Bears, Williams spoke out about the comparisons to Mahomes.
"It's cool. It's great," he said. "I always say it's respect. But we weren't our best today. We started out slow. We can't do that in the National Football League. You can't come out here and start slow, myself included.
"It's cool and all, but I'm Caleb Williams. Patrick Mahomes is Patrick Mahomes. Tyreek Hill is Tyreek Hill. Much love to them and things like that. I met them, talked to them both, things like that, but we're here to win games for the Chicago Bears."
Caleb Williams on being compared to Patrick Mahomes: pic.twitter.com/yhDLh8kP1p
— Dave (@dave_bfr) August 17, 2024