It became clear right away that Caleb Williams‘ unique personality, characterized by outward expression and not being afraid to voice his opinion, rubbed a lot of people the wrong way. That was especially true of older generations of football players. These are guys taught to keep their feelings to themselves—shut up and do your job. Then along comes Williams, who does all sorts of quirky stuff while still doing his job, and they can’t handle it. Count former wide receiver Amani Toomer among that group.
The New York Giants icon was a critical part of their 2007 Super Bowl championship run. His quarterback during those times was Eli Manning, a guy known for his stoicism and lead-by-example approach. So, one can imagine Toomer didn’t care for reports about Williams’ more vocal style. It came out recently that the rookie ended one Chicago Bears practice by telling his teammates to be mindful of keeping the locker room clean. Pick up after themselves and help out the custodial staff.
It appears this triggered Toomer, who went on an emotional rant on The Carton Show about the rookie’s perceived lack of respect.
In fact, veteran safety Kevin Byard applauded him for it. He felt it came across as the quarterback trying to remind everybody that sloppiness isn’t good on or off the field. Toomer’s comments shouldn’t be surprising. He’s had beef with Williams ever since the quarterback was caught on camera crying into his mom’s arms after a devastating loss to Utah. It is obvious he thinks the #1 overall pick is soft and has no respect for the traditional ways of how the NFL works. Not that Williams cares what he thinks.
Criticism is a regular fact of life for him. It’s been constant since he rose to prominence at Oklahoma in 2021. He realized early on that people would always try to tell him how to do things and how he should act a certain way. Don’t say this. Don’t do that. Caleb Williams doesn’t mind listening to advice, but he will be the one to decide whether it’s useful or not. He’s his own person. If this is the way he wants to lead the Bears, so be it. Toomer and others will have to deal with it.
Oh, and for the record, calling him Russell Wilson 2.0 isn’t nearly the dig he thinks it is. If Williams is a seven-time Pro Bowler and wins a Super Bowl, Bears fans will erect statues of him.
