Caleb Williams didn’t have any fancy nickname when he got to the NFL. It usually takes a couple of years for a player to earn one. After his latest 4th quarter comeback against New York, Bears fans have started trying to find one that fits the young quarterback. There are some strong contenders. “Iceman” appears to be his personal favorite. Others include C-4 and Clutch Williams. At some point, one of them will stick. Much depends on whether Williams maintains his reputation moving forward.
However, it seems the Bears quarterback already has a nickname. It is one he has kept carefully hidden for months. Unfortunately, Dan Pompei of The Athletic finally unearthed it while doing an in-depth piece on backup Case Keenum.
Williams and Keenum live on the same block, close enough to smell what’s on the other’s grill. “They’re able to just walk right over at night and go over the game plan,” Johnson says.
They do that and more, watching TV, indulging their sweet tooths, talking about hunting and the outdoors and enjoying each other’s families.
Keenum’s kids call Williams “Uncle Candy” because he stops by the house with treats. Keenum, in turn, tries to act like Williams’ “fun uncle” rather than his disappointing dad. “I have a silly story for everything,” says Keenum, whose expressions sometimes suggest he may try to pull a silver dollar from behind your ear.
That probably isn’t the reputation a big, tough NFL quarterback wants.
He’s basically acting as the fun uncle to his teammate’s kids, slipping them candy as if they were making a drug deal. Then again, Williams has always flashed a fun-loving side. As serious as he takes football, the Bears quarterback has no problem taking the mask off when children are involved. It is another reminder that the reputation of him being too self-absorbed was complete rubbish.
Caleb Williams and Case Keenum have built a fast friendship.
Much of that is due to the 37-year-old’s ability to connect, along with understanding his role. He wasn’t brought to Chicago to push Caleb Williams. He was brought in to teach him, motivate him, and guide his path. Keenum already had extensive experience at this from his time spent with Cleveland (Baker Mayfield), Buffalo (Josh Allen), and Houston (C.J. Stroud). All three of those young quarterbacks excelled when Keenum was in their ear. Williams is doing much the same.
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It is great to see the Bears’ young quarterback not trying to wall guys off. Justin Fields made that mistake in 2021 with Andy Dalton and Nick Foles. One must wonder if that hurt his development. Being open to advice is an underrated trait. Williams has that, to his credit. Maybe Uncle Candy will have something sweet in store for fans over these next eight games.