NFL: Chicago Bears at Seattle Seahawks
Nov 2, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) comes onto the field for warms up prior to a game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Caleb Williams made a bold statement after the Chicago Bears defeated the Seattle Seahawks 34-17. However, ESPN analyst Chris Canty quickly pushed back after the NFL quarterback referenced Michael Jordan’s era in Chicago.
Williams made the comments following Monday night’s victory at Lumen Field. The Bears improved to 6-2 with an impressive road win over the defending Super Bowl champions.
When discussing the atmosphere in Seattle, Williams recalled what people told him after joining Chicago.
“When I was brought here, they told me that, even through the times of Jordan and things like that, winning these championships, that it’s a Chicago Bears town,” Williams said.
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His comments caught Canty’s attention during Tuesday’s episode of First Take. The former NFL defensive end questioned why Williams brought up Jordan’s championship years.
“I don’t know why he [Williams] got to be a goofy after he won the biggest game of the season so far on Monday Night Football in a primetime spot,” Canty said.
“I get that you’re riding high. Y’all just beat the reigning, defending champs in their house, but you ain’t got to go to the place of talking about Michael Jordan and where Chicago was in the 90s, dog.”
Canty challenges Caleb Williams’ comparison
NFL: Chicago Bears at Seattle Seahawks
Seattle, Washington, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) passes the ball against the Seattle Seahawks during the first quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Canty reminded viewers that Jordan led the Chicago Bulls to six NBA championships during the 1990s. The Bulls also completed two separate three-peats during that period.
“They won six championships in a decade with two separate three-peats. Stop it,” Canty added.
Host Shae Cornette clarified that Williams did not directly compare himself with Jordan. Instead, the quarterback was discussing Chicago’s football identity. Cornette said, “He said, ‘It’s a Bears town,’ and he said, ‘Even, I was told when I came here, even back in the 90s, in the Jordan years, it was a Bears town.”
However, Canty remained unconvinced and suggested someone had given Williams the wrong impression.
“Whoever told him that lied to him,” Canty said.
"You ain't gotta go to the place of talking about Michael Jordan." @ChrisCanty99 responds to Caleb Williams' comments after the Bears' win in Seattle 👀 pic.twitter.com/DIbP8mnzSE
— First Take (@FirstTake) November 3, 2026
Williams completed 24 of 34 passes for 247 yards and one touchdown against Seattle. His performance helped Chicago secure another important victory under head coach Ben Johnson, who has said, “We’re still building. And this is part of that process right now.”
The Bears are building momentum, but Canty said Williams should avoid comparisons with Chicago’s legendary basketball era.
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