Caleb Williams’ Baggage Choice Stirs Hard Knocks Controversy

Hard Knocks’ opening episode didn’t really catch the attention of the Bears themselves.

Several said they didn’t even watch it.

Some football fans found something to get stirred up about, though.

Caleb Williams' Baggage Choice Stirs Hard Knocks Controversy

Shane Waldron, T.J. Edwards and Gervon Dexter all said they hadn’t watched the first episode of the HBO series depicting behind-the-scenes situations at Halas Hall.

The scene causing a stir was a conversation Caleb Williams was having with Matt Eberflus and when Williams got up to leave it appeared he was holding onto a purse or “man bag” of some sort.

This all traces back to the finger nail painting and unusual choices in clothing by Williams during his college days, something no one had seemed to care about since he got to Halas Hall for the start of OTAs.

The bag appeared only partially and very briefly in the scene about 10 minutes into the show, so it’s difficult to say what it was but Williams is likely to speak to media on Thursday after coach Matt Eberflus announces whether he’ll start against Buffalo.

Even worse than any purse or bag was undrafted Canadian rookie offensive lineman Theo Benedet stripping down to a pair of “Speedo” style underwear with an eagle head on them as he sang “Proud to Be an American.” It was during the Bears’ traditional rookie initiation routine of singing for the team.

“I did know that Theo was going to be on there and I saw the highlight of that just because I had to see the reactions,” T.J. Edwards said. “From the wild things I’ve seen, that’s what it’s about right? It’s great for people to see—I don’t know if that part’s great to see but it’s cool.”

Edwards recalled singing his rookie year in Philadelphia.

“And it was probably the worst thing I ever did, I got done with it and I was good to go,” Edwards said.

Kicker Cairo Santos heard about the scene when Nick Saban visited with Eberflus and during it there were highlights of Eberflus as a college player for Saban at Toledo, drilling ball carriers as a Rockets linebacker.

Santos is a bit concerned these days about being put in the unenviable task of being a last-resort tackler on kicks with this year’s new kicking rule.

“Yeah, he can hit,” Santos said of Eberflus. “Maybe can teach me how to tackle.”

The weekly show has five episodes and new ones air each Tuesday at 8 p.m. The first one currently can be seen on Max.

Twitter: Bears On SI

Related Posts

Browns’ Huntley & Thompson-Robinson Viewed as Potential Trade Candidates

The Cleveland Browns quarterback room is one of the deepest in the NFL. While much of their success will depend on Deshaun Watson to perform at the level he…

49ers Urged to Sign Former DPOY Amid Injury Issues

With just one preseason game in the books, the San Francisco 49ers are already dealing with a litany of injuries. Running back Christian McCaffrey (calf), linebacker Fred Warner (foot) and wide receiver Ricky…

Steelers Claim Massive Tackle off Waivers from Ravens

The Pittsburgh Steelers claimed massive 6-foot-5, 380-pound offensive tackle Tykeem Doss off waivers from the Baltimore Ravens. The Pittsburgh Steelers made an addition to their roster on…

Bears Urged to ‘Permanently’ Bench $30 Million Starter in 2024

Getty Bears head coach Matt Eberflus. The Chicago Bears are entering their second-to-last full week of 2024 training camp and still do not have starting right guard Nate Davis back from his…

Former All-Pro WR Has Strong Take on Who Should Start for Raiders at QB

Getty Gardner Minshew & Aidan O’Connell of the Las Vegas Raiders. Through one preseason game, it doesn’t seem like there’s a clear favorite to win the Las Vegas Raiders‘…

Will Nick Harris Signing Alter Future For Another Browns Player?

Last season, Nick Harris was not only the backup center for the Cleveland Browns, but he also served as the fullback for much of the year. The decision…