USC quarterback Caleb Williams put together a college career that couldn't be ignored. With 93 touchdowns to just 14 interceptions over three seasons and a Heisman Trophy in 2022, it's no surprise the Bears appear to be locked in on the Trojans star with the No. 1 overall pick.
Williams also developed his share of detractors after reaching stardom at USC. While some of the criticism started on the field, other complaints can be traced to Williams' dad.
Williams' father also operates as his business manager, and he's made some overtures that have rubbed fans the wrong way at times.
Here's what you need to know about Williams' dad and his role in the future NFL quarterback's business decisions.
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Who is Caleb Williams' dad?
Williams' father, Carl Williams, played football at Oklahoma State and now owns a gym and training center called Athletic Republic Capitol Region, which is located in Maryland.
Carl is a busy man, as he also runs his son's business dealings. With Caleb's rise to national prominence at USC, that's a significant role to play.
Some of the supposed red flags surrounding Caleb are either made up or are otherwise non-factors for NFL teams. But his father's oversight of his son's career might actually ruffle feathers.
Conflicting reports have circulated over the last handful of months regarding Caleb's interest in a potential ownership stake with the team that drafts him. While initial reports were denied, The Athletic reported in February that the rumors of such a request were accurate — and originated from his father.
Carl broached teams about a potential ownership stake long before he knew which one would land the No. 1 pick, but that kind of deal isn't allowed for NFL players.
Carl also raised eyebrows in 2023 when he indicated his son could return to USC if the right team didn't have the top pick. "The system is completely backwards," Carl Williams told GQ, making the case that the worst team shouldn't get the No. 1 pick.
BENDER: The legendary high school game that launched Caleb Williams' career
When push came to shove, there was little doubt Caleb would still declare for the draft. After all, the system wouldn't be any different in 2025, and the Bears are in a better situation than most teams who receive the top pick.
Caleb confirmed to ESPN in February that he had no problem going to the Bears, telling the outlet that he would be "excited" to go to Chicago and praising the state of the organization's roster.
There's no debate about whether Caleb Williams will be the choice for the Bears. Still, the franchise will have to hope his father stays behind the scenes and doesn't cause a distraction during the Heisman Trophy winner's time in Chicago.
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Who is Caleb Williams' agent?
Williams' dad doesn't seem more involved than most parents simply because he wants to be. Carl Williams is also his son's de facto agent and business manager.
Williams doesn't technically have an agent — his father isn't registered as one — but Carl Williams essentially acts as an agent for his son.
Fortunately for the Bears, rookie contracts are fairly straightforward under the current system and almost never lead to a dispute. The first true test of this unorthodox chain of command might come in 2027, when Williams will first be eligible for a long-term extension. Lamar Jackson finalized a massive extension without an agent in 2023, but not before a long, winding saga that included a trade request.
If Williams is worth a mega extension at any point, that would be a good problem for the Bears to have. Williams' success on the field might determine how much the franchise will tolerate requests from Williams' father.
MORE: Caleb Williams' NFL ownership ambitions, explained
Caleb Williams family tree
- Carl Williams, father
- Dayne Price, mother
- Valery Orellana, girlfriend
Williams doesn't have any known siblings, but both of his parents have been in the spotlight. His father has inserted himself into the spotlight by managing the business side of his son's football career, while his mother, Dayne Price, received attention when she consoled her emotional son after USC's November loss to Washington.
Williams' girlfriend, Valery Orellana, also recently entered the limelight when the projected No. 1 pick posted a photo of her on social media. Williams also hinted that she will be at the NFL Draft on Thursday, tweeting, "Wait till yall see draft day suit and my ladies dress."
Williams was born and raised in the Washington D.C. area and started his college career at Oklahoma before following coach Lincoln Riley to USC. The Commanders were just one pick away from being in position to bring Williams back home, but Chicago is expected to be the 22-year-old's home for the foreseeable future.