Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
Whether true or not, and for whatever reason, it doesn’t seem that Hall of Fame quarterback-turned-announcer Troy Aikman holds much appreciation for Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams.
While Aikman has never flat-out expressed his dislike of Williams, his commentary surrounding the Bears’ signal caller is often extremely critical.
Now, some of that is earned. Williams had a terrible rookie season given his expectations, and his nonchalant attitude can sometimes rub people the wrong way.
But despite the second-year QB completing 17-of-29 passes for 252 yards, one touchdown, and no turnovers in a win over the Washington Commanders on Monday night, Aikman was still extremely tough on Williams.
Aikman (correctly) pointed out that several of Williams’ completions came out of his hands “late,” and even stated that a lot of Chicago’s successful plays, including a huge touchdown to D’Andre Swift, were a product of “luck.”
That didn’t sit well with a lot of fans, and it certainly didn’t sit well with Williams. But as it turns out, their apparent beef took a weird new twist even before Monday night’s game.
Troy Aikman No-Showed Pre-Production Meeting With Caleb Williams
Normally, ahead of calling a game, broadcasters will sit down and talk with both coaches, both quarterbacks, and multiple players on both teams to get more insight on the game they’re about to commentate.
But according to Williams, that meeting between he and Aikman never happened before Monday’s game.
Caleb Williams said he and Troy Aikman didn’t have their usual production meeting before Monday Night Football.
Williams was at Halas Hall late that evening, and by the time he finished and called Aikman, he didn’t answer — so the two never ended up connecting. pic.twitter.com/kguK9nSWrq
— Dave (@dave_bfr) October 15, 2025
“I did not,” he answered when asked if the two spoke before the game. “I didn’t get to meet with him. (I) tried to meet with him. I reached out and tried to meet and that didn’t happen. And so, I moved on from it, went and played the game, and came out 3-2.”
There could be plenty of reasons why the meeting didn’t happen. Maybe Aikman truly just doesn’t like Williams. Maybe Williams wasn’t available when Aikman was. Who knows?
But it does add an additional layer to an already interesting dynamic between one of the game’s biggest young stars and the legendary former QB.