Caleb Williams Responds to Troy Aikman’s Criticism After Bears Win
Caleb Williams stirred up some conversation among Bears fans, especially those who felt that Troy Aikman was too harsh on both the team and the quarterback during their recent “Monday Night Football” victory against the Commanders.
On Wednesday, Williams shared that he wasn’t able to participate in the usual production meeting with Aikman and ESPN’s crew, which usually involves coaches and key players connecting before the broadcast.
“I really wanted to meet him, I tried but it just didn’t work out,” Williams explained. “I was at the facility late and had some commitments. I attempted to call him later, but he didn’t answer.”
In an unusual twist, ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky remarked on social media, “Maybe it’s nothing. This is weird.”
Aikman had criticized some of Williams’ throws during the game, suggesting that even successful passes often left receivers without room to advance further.
“At least try to give them catchable balls,” Williams said, as reported by a local outlet. “I aim to give my receivers the best opportunities to run with the ball. We definitely had chances that we, well, might have missed. It’s only our fifth game together.”
The Hall of Famer also labeled Williams’ impressive 55-yard touchdown pass to D’Andre Swift, which narrowed Washington’s lead late in the game, a “lucky” play.
To poke fun at Aikman’s remarks, Williams posted on Instagram a blend of game photos and a nod to his high school days in Washington, D.C., with the caption, “Nations Cap, I’m glad you’re back! ‘I was lucky.’ -TA ‘Whoopee Doo.'”
Williams remarked, “D’Andre played great and, obviously, Aikman—there were things I wanted to say about us and me. We had some fun, that’s all.”
In the game, he completed 17 out of 29 passes for 252 yards, along with a passing and a rushing touchdown.
Under head coach Ben Johnson, the Bears have rebounded to a 3-2 record, currently on a three-game winning streak.
Reflecting on their performance, Williams noted, “There will always be players who handle things well but still feel something isn’t right.”
