Thursday night witnessed an unprecedented occurrence for quarterbacks as six QBs were selected within the top twelve picks of the upcoming NFL draft in 2024. Notably, Caleb Williams made his own mark on history during this occasion. As per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Heisman Trophy winner broke Fanatics’ record for most merchandise sales by any athlete across all sports following a draft night. The previous holder of that distinction was women’s basketball star Caitlin Clark who became Indiana Fever’s No.1 pick just recently last week via the WNBA league.
In addition to his remarkable achievement, Williams’ jersey also sold out at an astonishing pace on digital platforms following Chicago Bears officially disclosing him as their selection in draft day nightmares due being designated #18 by the team. This number was previously claimed by Keenan Allen who has been wearing it since he entered NFL. “If it was with the Bears, I couldn’t tell you because there’s a 13-year Hall of Fame veteran,” Williams stated prior to draft day when asked about his jersey number. “So that would be tough,” he added.
The previous jerseys Williams had donned throughout his time playing collegiately at both Oklahoma and USC were No. 13, but with Allen already having laid claim on it in the Bears line-up; as a high school athlete Williams also sported No. 18 which he now wears for Chicago.
With all of Chicago eagerly anticipating his jersey sales following such an incredible achievement during draft night, there’s no denying that the Bears rookie will have much to live up as expectations soar.
Per Michael Ginnitti from Spotrac, Williams is expected to sign a four-year contract worth $39.4M (comprised of both base pay and bonus payments), fully guaranteed by Chicago Bears with an option for the fifth year in 2028.
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