Bears QB Caleb Williams Takes Shot at Former Teammate Rattler

The Chicago star didn't hold back when asked about his time at Oklahoma.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 2:36am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the intense competition between two football players, with sharp planes of color representing the dynamic action and tension of their on-field matchup.A cubist interpretation of the competitive rivalry between Bears QB Caleb Williams and his former Oklahoma teammate Spencer Rattler.Chicago Today

In a recent interview, Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams openly discussed the adversity he faced at the University of Oklahoma, where he had to compete with Spencer Rattler for the starting job. Williams expressed his frustration at the time over not being given a fair chance to beat out Rattler, who was the projected future No. 1 overall NFL draft pick. Despite his belief that he was the better quarterback, Williams had to wait until Rattler struggled midway through the 2021 season before getting his opportunity to start, which he seized and never relinquished.

Why it matters

Williams' comments provide insight into the competitive drive and self-confidence that have made him one of the most exciting young quarterbacks in the NFL. His willingness to openly discuss the challenges he faced early in his career also shows a level of maturity that could serve him well as he continues to develop and lead the Bears franchise.

The details

According to Williams, he told many people before enrolling at Oklahoma that he would beat out Rattler for the starting job. However, Rattler was the projected first overall pick, so he remained the starter for the first six games of the 2021 season. Williams said he repeatedly asked his head coach, Lincoln Riley, how he could earn the starting role, but Riley kept telling him to just keep preparing. When Rattler struggled in the Red River Showdown against Texas, Riley finally benched him in favor of Williams, who provided an immediate spark for the Sooners' offense and led them to a comeback victory. Rattler never regained the starting job.

  • In the 2021 season, Rattler was the starting quarterback for the first six games at Oklahoma.
  • Halfway through the 2021 season, Rattler struggled in the first half against Texas in the Red River Showdown.
  • Oklahoma trailed 35-17 at halftime, and Riley decided to bench Rattler for Williams.

The players

Caleb Williams

The Chicago Bears' starting quarterback, who was the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner at the University of Oklahoma.

Spencer Rattler

The former starting quarterback at the University of Oklahoma, who was the projected future No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft.

Lincoln Riley

The head coach at the University of Oklahoma during Williams' and Rattler's time there.

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What they’re saying

“The most recent one was Oklahoma when I didn't start, that one was real tough for me. I knew that Lincoln was the best in the country and I was in the best in the country. I told many people before I went there that I was going to start and play and beat him out. I thought I beat him out in Spring, and he was the projected No. 1 and all that so he started for six games.”

— Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears Quarterback

“I asked him 'how do I beat this dude out?' Because he never let me get reps with the first team, so I took advantage of my reps, and put my head down, but at a certain point I feel like I beat him out. I went up and asked Lincoln again, 'how can I beat him out?'”

— Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears Quarterback

“At the time I was so angry and so frustrated because at the time that wasn't what I wanted to hear. I felt like I was the best, I felt like I could have helped us win, but I kept preparing so when I had my moment, there was no way he was ever going to get it back.”

— Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears Quarterback

What’s next

As Williams enters his third NFL season, the Bears will look to build on their success from 2025 and make a deeper playoff run. With an offensive-minded head coach in Ben Johnson, Williams' development will be a key factor in the team's continued growth.

The takeaway

Caleb Williams' comments about his time at Oklahoma reveal the competitive drive and self-belief that have fueled his rise to stardom in the NFL. His willingness to openly discuss the adversity he faced early in his career shows a maturity that could serve him well as he leads the Bears franchise forward.