Caleb Williams had a rough game Monday night, but the Chicago Bears’ second-year quarterback earned himself some criticism before even taking a snap.
The Bears hosted the Minnesota Vikings in an NFC North primetime matchup last night. The game was also Ben Johnson’s first as Chicago’s head coach.
To help set the mood at Soldier Field, the Bears enlisted Jim Cornelison to sing the national anthem. Cornelison is a Chicago legend who has performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” full-time at Chicago Blackhawks games for nearly two decades and has also sung at the Indianapolis 500 and other major sporting events.
At one point during Cornelison’s rendition, ESPN’s cameras cut to Williams on the sideline. The former No. 1 overall pick was smiling and laughing before leaning over and appearing to ask a teammate who Cornelison was.
During the anthem, Jim Cornelison was singing when Caleb Williams leaned over to a teammate and asked who it was. The teammate replied, “I have no idea” 😂 pic.twitter.com/K2tv5ATLv2
— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) September 9, 2025
That might seem innocent enough, but Williams’ actions rankled more than a few viewers watching from home.
Social media exploded about Williams’ behavior
Some people speculated that Williams was simply asking his teammate why fans were so excited because he didn’t know the reputation Cornelison has in the Windy City.
Others were not as gracious.
“I’ll be honest with you guys as always. I am VERY nervous about Caleb Williams cracking jokes during the national anthem,” tweeted former Barstool personality Carl. “I’m not writing 30,000 words on a subscription only website against his personal character I’m just saying I need laser focus with Cornelison on the mic.”
“Caleb Williams laughing during the national anthem is very on brand,” a second commenter said.
“Caleb Williams vs JJ. Caleb talking during the national anthem and JJ locked in. All I needed to see,” a Vikings fan wrote.
“BRUHHH CALEB WILLIAMS IS LAUGHING AT THE DUDE WHOS SINGING THE NATIONAL ANTHEM,” a fourth person said.
“Caleb Williams making fun of the national anthem singer gone get him in trouble this game,” a fifth person added.
A hot start, a brutal finish
After an up-and-down rookie season, Williams came out firing on Monday, connecting on his first 10 passes and leading the Bears to an opening drive touchdown, which he scored on a 9-yard run.
However, Williams hit on just 11 of his final 25 passing attempts, finishing 21-of-35 for 210 yards and a touchdown. Included in those 14 incompletions were some ugly misses.
How did Caleb Williams miss Dj Moore by this much .. it might be time to have some conversations pic.twitter.com/0tML5sny1O
— John (@iam_johnw) September 9, 2025
Williams and the Bears led 17-6 in the fourth quarter before collapsing, as Vikings rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy led three consecutive scoring drives to take a 27-17 lead.
Minnesota wound up winning 27-24.
