With the first overall choice in the 2024 NFL Draft, USC quarterback Caleb Williams was chosen by the Chicago Bears on Thursday.
In the draft, the Bears had an additional first-round selection. Rome Odunze, a wide receiver from Washington, was chosen with it as the No. 9 overall choice.
QB J.J. McCarthy of Michigan, a native of La Grange Park, Illinois, was chosen by the Minnesota Vikings with the tenth overall choice in the first round.
A large number of supporters who flocked to Soldier Field on Thursday referred to the evening as a turning point for the team.
Although many Bears supporters told ABC7 they just had a sense this time would be different, this is not the first time a quarterback has entered the team with great hopes.
In anticipation of the draft, Bears supporters flocked to Soldier Field on Thursday night, as the Monsters of the Midway secured two first-round selections for the first time in many years. The decision to choose Williams was hailed by some as potentially revolutionary for the club.
David Kaplan of ESPN Chicago Radio said on Thursday morning, “Aside from the Super Bowl victory in 1985, this is the greatest day in the history of the franchise.”
Just hours before the club selected the former USC quarterback and Heisman champion at the opening of the first round of the NFL Draft in Detroit, the Bears’ excitement was at an all-time high on Thursday morning.
“I haven’t been with a football team since November 18, so that’s the toughest part for me and something I really want to get back to get in a locker room,” Caleb Williams had previously said.
Williams showed off his evening ensemble on the Detroit draft red carpet prior to the official start of the draft.
The viewing party at Soldier Field was presumably the best option for Bears supporters who couldn’t make it to Detroit for the selection.
“Tonight is a dream, like I haven’t had a quarterback my entire life, and now my son is going to wake up to an incredible quarterback in Caleb Williams,” Greg Feltes, a Bears supporter, said.
The draft was aired on ESPN Chicago radio from Soldier Field, and VIP seats were available for the United Club. Williams, who promised supporters a new age of victory and made an appearance via hologram from Detroit, was interviewed remotely.
It’s excellent. I’m prepared. I’m all set,” Williams said.
Although there was no surprise in the selection, Bears supporters were still ecstatic.
Bears supporter Chris Nemeh said, “It’s surreal to be on the field to see that happen on the big screen, all the applause around us.” “Really excited for this moment in Bears history.”
At a sold-out Soldier Field watch party, thousands of people came to celebrate everything Bears.
“Hopefully it’s their turnaround switch from being a stinky team,” Allan Swanson, a Bears supporter, said.
“Let’s defeat Bear! We’re prepared! We’re prepared! Terry Dunlap, a Bears fan, remarked, “We’re ready for everybody.” “And the Packers will lose to us! this year’s two games!”
Bears fan Steve Albergo stated, “It’s about time we get a franchise quarterback, and we’re ready for that 30-plus touchdowns from Caleb Williams, year one.”
Fans applauded the selection of Odunze, the new wide receiver for the Bears, an hour after the Williams pick.
“This is the last one. “This marks the inception of a new team,” said Bears supporter Sean Zingsheim. “The old Bears are gone; it’s time to rebuild and take.” The new Bears are this one.”
In west suburban La Grange Park, where quarterback for the University of Michigan and graduate of Nazareth Academy J.J. McCarthy was one of the top ten picks, the excitement was equally evident.
Tim Rack, the former coach of Nazareth, referred to him as a leader both on and off the field.
“More importantly how he comported himself off the field, in the classroom,” Rack continued. “Even kids that didn’t play football cheered for him because he is such a nice, humble unassuming kid.”
Along with a number of players, Bears fans had gathered in line before the draft began to watch the draft at Soldier Field.
It’s been a while, a while of pain, a while of wondering, ‘Is this the quarterback? “This year is unlike any other, but it’s not,” a fan named Ali Rothschild remarked.
About five thousand fans are anticipated at Soldier Field by the time of the draft. The draft was shown on the jumbotrons, and there was also interactive games on the field. Fans had a chance to meet some of the Bears players too.
“I really think they’ve got all the stars aligning here, with the right people in the administrative and executive positions, and they’re making great decisions, and I think this is going to be a major change today,” Bears fan Kevin Maynard said.
The team said the event sold out weeks ago, and it’s all because of the excitement surrounding the No. 1 overall pick.
“I’m really excited for everything’s that going to happen tonight, and I’m going to partake in everything that I possibly can and just let it all soak in,” Bears fan Marquita Schaeffer said.
Rob Davis passed the time waiting for the gates to open by tossing the football with his 7-year-old daughter Payton. She’s named after Walter Payton. Davis was at Soldier Field to watch the start of what many fans hope will be the road to the next Bears Super Bowl team.
“This is gonna be the draft that movies the Bears future forward,” Davis said. “Caleb comes in… we beat Green Bay, win the division, and get to the Super Bowl.”
Among the crowds was fan Jerry Daughty and his son Bobby, who drove ten hours from Lebanon, Pennsylvania, to be in Chicago to watch.
“Being able to be here and actually being able to see it first hand is gonna be incredible,” Bobby said.
It was father-son bonding time for them, and they’re hoping to get some autographs on the Bears helmet they brought.
“It’s a once in a lifetime thing,” Jerry said. “I’ve been a die-hard Bears fan since the day I was born.”
It was the quiet before the storm early Thursday afternoon at Victory Tap in the South Loop.
“I think this is the year they can really take a step forward, if they do the right things at quarterback,” said Jason Wedner of Victory Tap.
The pub anticipated a strong throng of Bears supporters to witness the selection.
“In this case, it’s universally accepted that Caleb Williams is the best prospect,” veteran reporter Fred Mitchell stated.
Since the Bears had two first-round selections, many are expecting for a return of the great 1965 draft, when the club chose future hall of famers in running back Gale Sayer and famed middle linebacker Dick Butkus with their first two picks. Unfortunately, the dynamic combo never won a title.
“Chicago has a sports problem,” stated Shannon Taushman of Firehouse Restuarant. “We need this victory… need another Super Bowl. We need a generational Bears victory.”
It’s been just over two decades since the Bears had two first round choices.
“You’re talking about taking a team that was irrelevant in terms of competing for titles and making them one of the favorites in the league going forward,” Kaplan said.
Life-long Bears fan Preston Braxton said with the Bears having first dibs in the draft, it might herald in a new era of Bears football.
“Saw them when they won their first Super Bowl,” Braxton remarked. “The Bears mean a lot to me. It could undoubtedly raise the city, it’s been sometime since ’85. Without a doubt, it would revive the city.”
The first round of the draft started on Thursday at 7 p.m. on ABC7. Rounds 2 and 3 will begin on Friday at 6 p.m., while Rounds 4–7 will begin on Saturday at 11 a.m.
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