Following the Texans vs. Bears game, C.J. Stroud discusses his awkward interaction with Caleb Williams.
The rookie quarterback for the Chicago Bears, Caleb Williams, made headlines on social media after an unpleasant postgame encounter. C.J. Stroud of the Houston Texans chose to clarify the situation in a recent interview with reporters.
On Sunday, following the Texans’ 19-13 victory, Williams was approached by Stroud—who was wearing a microphone—for a post-game handshake. Williams tried to leave right away after putting up another subpar performance, but Stroud drew him aside for a brief encouragement session.
“Take lessons from their errors. And all you possess, my friend, is already within you. Williams didn’t seem interested in listening to advise when Stroud told him, “You’re going to be a hell of a player in this league.”
Stroud stated that he had the best of intentions in response to the attention that the discussion has received.
“I wasn’t attempting to belittle him in any way. He is also aware of that. I really admire him,” Stroud remarked. “It meant the world to me that so many people approached me after games last year, and some of them even considered offering me advise. I simply strive to return the favors that the game is showing me. Thus, I hope he has the best man. I really want him to succeed in this league. I believe he will.
Conversely, when questioned about the exchange with Stroud earlier, Williams refused to discuss it.
At the conclusion of the game, we shook hands. That was all he had to say to the press.
Following a great collegiate career, Williams was tipped to be the next big thing in quarterbacking when the Bears selected him first overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. However, he struggled to adjust to life in the pros, passing for 267 yards, zero touchdowns, and two interceptions in his first two games while only completing 56.1% of his throws.
