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Caleb Williams Credits Icons Aaron Rodgers & Patrick Mahomes for Shaping His Approach to the Game

Published 04/20/2024, 1:13 AM EDT

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When talk turns to the next generation of elite NFL quarterbacks, one name in particular stands out—Caleb Williams. This likely No. 1 NFL draft pick is making waves not just for his raw talent, but for the iconic QBs he’s modeling his game after.

In a recent appearance on the Pivot, Williams opened up about mimicking the on-field antics of Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers. “I’m going to go try this while I’m training I’m going to go try this a little foot ball I’m gonna try this you know throwing my body this way and throwing it back over my head this way and like he did versus the Vikings in between two three guys with a D in his face and things like that so when he was like in his first second year in the league third year in the league so just you know trying things like that in young age trying things that Patrick Mahomes…it’s like I said sitting back watching learning um taking in you know what I can take in and and and adapt to my game,” he said of studying their highlight-reel plays.

Even though Williams made comparisons with other NFL legends like Tom Brady and Mahomes, he did not forget to highlight how he is still an “Aaron Rodgers’ fan.” This statement was enough to showcase how much inspiration the young professional draws from the 4x NFL MVP. In fact, at the NFL Combine in March, the young phenom called Rodgers the “ultimate quarterback” when it comes to arm strength.

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It’s a ringing endorsement from a prospect Chris Simms labeled “effortlessly brilliant” for making insane throws look easy at his Pro Day.But Williams isn’t just in awe of Rodgers’ talents – he’s drawing inspiration from them, just like Mahomes once did years earlier.

 

Before becoming a Super Bowl MVP, the Chiefs star revealed in the lead-up to the 2017 NFL Draft studying Rodgers’ famed “Hail Mary” heaves is what drove him to uncork 70-yard bombs in his pre-draft workouts.

From Mahomes to Williams, Rodgers’ penchant for the clutch and impossible has cast a long shadow. His 61-yard “Miracle in Motown” TD toss is an NFL icon – the kind of play that lives on as inspiration for the next generation of gunslingers yearning to etch their legends.

Caleb Williams bridging the gap between the old school and new age

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While thoroughly impressed by the Rodgers and Mahomes playbook, Williams isn’t simply xeroxing their game into his own. No, he’s putting his fresh spin on playing innovative, sandlot-style football as the ultimate gunslinger.

“He throws from ridiculous arm angles. He just plays around too much,” one pro scout raved about the 22-year-old’s rare talents to Pelissero. “But he’s such a natural football player with everything that I don’t see that being a hiccup at all.”

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From his gambler’s mentality to his proclivity for making “rare, rare stuff” happen, Williams is the latest trailblazer enhancing the ever-evolving quarterback position. “you want to learn from the best to be a leader you got to First be a follower” Williams stated about his appreciation for the Rodgers and Mahomes playbook. While he may be their inspiration, his ultimate goal is to someday be mentioned in the same breath as those generational talents.

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With the Bears poised to make him the new face of their franchise, Williams is primed to take that next step. The student is ready to become the master, taking the QB position to new and uncharted levels of greatness by blending fundamentals with flair. Get your popcorn ready, football fans – this summer blockbuster is headed to Chicago.

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Written by:

Sanu Abraham

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Sanu Abraham is an NFL writer at EssentiallySports. As a passionate football fan, he brings fresh perspectives and new ideas to the coverage of the sport and its many exciting personalities. He seeks to write lively and engaging articles that play to his expertise.
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Edited by:

Aazima Basharat