Caleb Williams is in rarefied air.
The former USC Trojans quarterback was selected No. 1 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears on Thursday night.
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Within hours, he had already broken the recent record for another No. 1 pick.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Williams broke the Fanatics record for draft night merchandise sales for any draft pick in any sport.
It broke the previous record set last week by women’s basketball star Caitlin Clark, who was drafted first overall by the Indiana Fever in the 2024 WNBA Draft.
Williams caught wind of the fact that he had broken Clark’s record and shared his immediate four-word response.
“This is Chicago for you!!!,” he posted on X.
Earlier Friday, he announced what his potential Bears jersey number would be by using the number 18 at the end of a post.
“DAAAAA BEARSSSSSSS!! We’re gone!!#18,” he shared.
He wore number 13 during his time at USC.
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Williams’ latest feat is quite a feat considering Clark’s Fever jersey was completely sold out less than an hour after she was selected in the WNBA draft.
Darren Rovell on X posted at the time: “Clark’s Indiana Fever jerseys are already sold out on Fanatics.
“It only took Fanatics an hour to sell the jersey sizes extra-small, medium, large, extra-large and extra-large.”
The Fever are already feeling the effects of Clark-mania with sold-out home games and an increase in nationally televised games next season.
The Bears hope Williams will have a similar impact on their franchise after several years on the outside looking in.
Williams will be joined in Chicago by wide receiver Rome Odunze, who was selected by the Bears with the 9th overall pick in the first round of the NFL Draft.
The pair will join six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Keenan Allen, former Eagles running back D’Andre Swift and former Chargers TE Gerald Everett as exciting additions to the once hapless franchise.
After taking first place overall against Chicago, Williams believes he is in the right place to develop his talent.
“A big reason is I believe in the culture that’s been built,” Williams said on a Zoom call with reporters.
“I would say the culture, the coaches, and that’s where it comes from. Then I would also say the love and support that the fans have given. They’re ready, they’re hungry, they’re all excited, and U.S. too.”
“They not only told me [they want to win]They showed me how it was done,” he added.
“It’s always important. I’ve always been a routine guy. I’ve always been loyal to my job, committed to it and things like that. They said they wanted to win, they said they I’m hungry.
“When I went there on a visit, they showed me plans of how they planned to implement this, things like that throughout the team, myself, to be able to lead these guys to victory.”
