Caleb Williams found himself in hot water after his behavior during Monday Night Football’s national anthem. The second-year quarterback was caught on ESPN’s broadcast smiling, giggling, and talking to teammates while Jim Cornelison delivered a powerful rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Soldier Field.
Sep 8, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) drops back to pass against the Minnesota Vikings during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
Silence during the national anthem is a basic manner of showing respect, which he forgot for the moment. After the Bears QB broke that rule, the video has since gone viral online.
Internet has exploded with folks expressing their discontent towards him. But one critical fan showed no mercy on him and wished to send him to kindergarten again.
Caleb Williams Blasted for Disrespectful National Anthem Moment
The Bears’ signal caller had a rough Monday night. His performance was mixed while the Vikings achieved a bounce-back win against the Bears.
At the start, he was looking in form, as his first few passes were pretty solid as he went 10-for-10. But as time passed, he became dull. And finally, he finished the Monday Night Football game with 21 completions on 35 attempts for 210 yards.
His second-half performance was actually terrible. ESPN charted him as off-target on 47% of his throws. Meanwhile, Vikings signal-caller J.J. McCarthy looked like he was giving back-to-back checkmates after taking magical words from his coach.
So, the 23-year-old was put under literal lava because he was already under fire after his disrespect during the national anthem. He even asked who the singer was, to which the teammate replied, “I have no idea”
Many folks slammed him for controversial antiques, and a particular one scolded him bluntly. The angry fans took to X andwrote, “Take your schoolbag again idiot. At least you learn again how to respect the national anthem. Kindergarten kids have better manners than you.”
Take your schoolbag again idiot. At least you learn again how to respect the national anthem. Kindergarten kids have better manners than you
— Robin Ahmed (@RobinAh59776118) September 9, 2025
The incident became particularly damaging because it involved Cornelison, the legendary Chicago Blackhawks anthem singer who is revered in the city. His performances are considered special moments that command respect. For that, Williams’ casual behavior made it even more jarring to NFL fans.
Ex-USC Star Shreds Caleb Williams Over Nail Polish After Vikings Loss
Former USC player Jake Olson also joined in the criticism, targeting Williams’ signature nail polish look following the Bears’ loss to Minnesota.
Olson, who spent four years as a backup long snapper at USC, delivered a backhanded compliment while suggesting Williams tone down his personal expression.
On Monday night, hepostedon X, “Caleb starting 10/10 tells me Ben Johnson’s coaching is working. He’s got a lot to learn, but I think Johnson can teach him. The real question is whether Bears fans have the patience. In the meantime… maybe skip the nail polish, QB1.”
Caleb starting 10/10 tells me Ben Johnson’s coaching is working. He’s got a lot to learn, but I think Johnson can teach him. The real question is whether Bears fans have the patience. In the meantime… maybe skip the nail polish, QB1.
— Jake Olson (@JakeOlson61) September 9, 2025
On Monday night, Williams displayed the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number on his nails as part of a suicide prevention awareness campaign. He may never have thought that he would become meme material for that.