Kobe Bryant inspired a generation of young athletes, and Caleb Williams is no different. The Chicago Bears quarterback watched the Los Angeles Lakers legend own the NBA in his prime, leaving an everlasting impression.
Williams wants to channel the same ‘mamba mentality’ in his game, turning the Bears from a poverty franchise to one of the best in football. The 22-year-old sat down for an interview with NBC’s Maria Taylor, answering questions about his inspiration, Kobe Bryant.
Taylor asked Williams to describe how he incorporates the ‘mamba mentality’ in his game. In reply, the first overall pick of the 2024 draft revealed he frequently watches game videos, and a documentary made on Bryant.
I watch the Kobe Mamba documentary once every year… I started that in college. My freshman year, I was laying in my bed, and the first time watched it, and I loved it so much that I have in my notes the Kobe documentary.
Caleb Williams told Taylor
The fierce nature that Kobe brought to the basketball court, winning 5 NBA titles, became a lesson for Williams, who took it to heart.
The grit, the adversity, how he dealt with it, and even… When I got hurt in my championship game in college, I used what he said, that the game is bigger than anything that I’m feeling.
Caleb Williams added
Bears QB Caleb Williams shares how he draws inspiration from Kobe Bryant. 🧡 pic.twitter.com/sFnZzH3mGl
— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) September 14, 2024
Caleb Williams wants to be a great player like Kobe Bryant
Despite a dropoff in his final year of college football, winning 7 and losing 5, missing out on the playoffs, the Bears saw enough to stick with Williams as their prime target for their franchise quarterback. Chicago is often viewed as a ‘quarterback graveyard’ with players coming and going at regular intervals.
Caleb Williams (Image via IMAGO)The Bears are one of the few franchises that haven’t won a playoff game for over a decade (New York Jets, Las Vegas Raiders being others). They last played in the Super Bowl way back in 1986. Williams’ aim is to bring the glory days back to Chicago.
That’s another dream of mine… It allows me to keep going. Allows me to reach those things.
Caleb Williams said
The USC graduate further added that it will take time because all good things do. He has previously said of playing 20 years in one place like Kobe with the Lakers. So, it seems the Bears are set for a long time if Williams does well for them.
Williams’ first game in Chicago Colors was far from glamorous. He completed 14/29 for 93 yards and zero touchdowns. As a matter of fact, the Bears only scored 2 points in the offense, and the rest of the points came from kicker Cairo Santos, 3-3, and a 43-yard pick 6 from cornerback Tyrique Stevenson. Up next, Williams and the Bears will welcome the Houston Texans at Soldier Field.
