Everybody isn’t without critics; the more famous a person is, the more hate and criticism they receive. That’s what the projected No. 1 overall pick for the Chicago Bears has continually faced since his decision to enter the 2024 NFL Draft. Caleb Williams didn’t make a CFP appearance in 2023 or win the Pac-12 Championship, but he’s still entering the draft as a top overall player. 

Labels like “arrogant” and “cocky” were given by critics when he followed his own heart, including when he cried after the loss to Washington and when he decided not to throw at the NFL Combine. But is that really who he is? His close companion and teammate, who is also the son of the Pro Football Hall of Famer Jerry Rice, gets clean on his real character. 

Brenden Rice reveals the true character of Caleb Williams

Less than a week before the 2024 NFL Draft kicks off, USC WR Brenden Rice makes an appearance on the Up & Adams Show with Kay Adams. In the YouTube episode, the 22-year-old shuts down the publicized ideas about Caleb Williams as a brash QB and instead delivers his take based on first-hand experience with the projected No. 1 overall pick. He said of Williams, “He takes it to the next level. Just who he is as a character aspect to his teammates. Each and every day he’s going to put in the necessary work just to make himself better and make those around him better.”

Brenden Rice, also entering this year’s draft, secured 791 receiving yards and 12 TDs alongside his QB in the 2023 season. One of the causes the 6’3, 210-pounder attributes his success to is the leadership qualities of Williams as he said, “He sets the standard so high for others as well as for himself that you want to be better for him.“ If that’s not what leadership is made up of, what is?

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The difference that the public and teammates see in Caleb Williams 

This is what Caleb Williams’ response was when he addressed why he didn’t want to throw at the Combine — “I didn’t feel the need to go out and throw. I played about 30-something games I believe. Go ahead and go watch real, live ball with me and see how I am as a competitor.“ This statement portrayed his confidence in himself but it didn’t sit well with many people who called him “overconfident“ and “arrogant“ with someone even stating, “I feel like Caleb Williams is cocky and that might come back to bite him in the league.“ But he’s a different picture for his teammates. 

As a true sportsman, it’s always his team ahead of his own needs for Caleb Williams just like how he turned down a major NIL deal Beats and gave it to his teammates. When he won the Heisman Trophy in 2022, he paid for eight of his OLs to celebrate the ceremony in New York. Even the Bears coach Matt Eberflus is impressed with the way he is around his teammates saying, “We talked to [Williams’ USC teammates] at the dinner, and you can certainly see those players love him and respect him and what he’s brought to that program.“ What do you think about Caleb Williams?