History of Caleb Williams in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: November 30, 2025

Caleb Williams is an American football quarterback currently playing for the Chicago Bears in the NFL. He previously played college football for the Oklahoma Sooners and the USC Trojans, where he won the Heisman Trophy in 2022. During his time at USC, he set single-season school records in passing yards and touchdowns. Williams was selected first overall by the Bears in the 2024 NFL draft. As a rookie, he quickly set several franchise passing records, marking a promising start to his professional career.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1953: Multiple Receptions in a Game

Against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 9, Caleb Williams became the first starting quarterback with multiple receptions in a game since George Taliaferro in 1953.

1983: Tied NFL Record

The 2024 NFL draft, where Caleb Williams was selected first overall by the Chicago Bears, tied the 1983 draft for the most quarterbacks taken in the first round.

1985: Multiple TD Passes

Against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 9, Caleb Williams became the first Bears quarterback with a touchdown reception in addition to multiple touchdown passes after Jim McMahon in 1985.

November 18, 2001: Caleb Williams' Birth

On November 18, 2001, Caleb Williams was born. He later became a professional football quarterback.

Others born on this day/year

2002: First QB selected first overall to win NFL debut

Caleb Williams was the first quarterback selected first overall to win his season-opening NFL debut since 2002. He completed 14-of-29 passes for 93 yards with no touchdowns or turnovers in a 24–17 win against the Tennessee Titans.

2004: Offensive Drought

In week 8 against the Washington Commanders, the Chicago Bears lost on a last-second Hail Mary pass. The Bears offense failed to score a touchdown in consecutive games, the first time this has happened since 2004.

2005: USC's last AP College Football Player of the Year

In 2022, Caleb Williams became the AP College Football Player of the Year, being USC's first winner since Reggie Bush in 2005.

2009: Started every game in a season

Caleb Williams was the first Bears quarterback to start every game in a season since Jay Cutler in 2009.

2016: Touchdown Reception

Against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 9, Caleb Williams became the first Bears quarterback with a touchdown reception since Matt Barkley in 2016.

2018: Win against the Green Bay Packers

Caleb Williams led a game-winning drive in the season finale to snap the Bears' ten-game losing streak and their 11-game skid to the Green Bay Packers, marking their first win against them since 2018.

2018: WCAC Championship

In 2018, as a sophomore, Caleb Williams led Gonzaga College High School to a WCAC Championship with a game-winning hail mary pass. He was named Washington Post's All-Metropolitan 1st team and Washington, D.C. Gatorade Football Player of the Year.

2019: All-Metropolitan 1st Team

In 2019, Caleb Williams was named Washington Post's All-Metropolitan 1st team for the second consecutive year. He also was named the Elite 11 finals MVP the following summer.

2020: Bears Win Streak

After a 1-2 start, Williams led the Chicago Bears to their first three-game win streak since 2020.

2020: Senior Season Cancelled

In 2020, Caleb Williams' senior season was cancelled due to COVID-19. He committed to play college football at the University of Oklahoma.

2021: Oklahoma Sooners Starting Quarterback

In 2021, Caleb Williams entered his true freshman season with the Oklahoma Sooners as a backup before becoming the starting quarterback midway through the season. He finished the year with 21 passing touchdowns, six rushing touchdowns, and four interceptions in seven games.

January 3, 2022: Transfer Portal Entry

On January 3, 2022, Caleb Williams entered the transfer portal.

2022: Heisman Trophy Winner

In 2022, Caleb Williams won the Heisman Trophy and set single-season school records in passing yards and touchdowns while playing for the USC Trojans.

2023: USC Trojans Season

In 2023, Williams and the USC Trojans went 7–5 during the regular season. Williams threw for 3,633 yards with 30 passing and 11 rushing touchdowns.

2024: NFL Draft Declaration

In 2024, Caleb Williams declared for the NFL draft following the 2023 season, finishing his college career throwing for over 10,000 yards with 120 total touchdowns.

2024: Selected First Overall in NFL Draft

In 2024, Caleb Williams was selected first overall by the Chicago Bears in the NFL draft. He also set several franchise rookie passing records during the season.