Caleb Williams marches to the beat of his own drum. The soon-to-be No. 1 overall pick in next week’s NFL Draft has approached the entire process unlike any quarterback athlete that came before him.
His most recent move is his most interesting.
Williams paused his pre-Draft training to go on vacation. According to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero, the former Heisman Trophy winner flew out to Tokyo with his girlfriend instead of staying stateside to work out ahead of his rookie season.
Caleb Williams put himself first!
Now here’s the thing.
It’s not like Williams really needs the additional practice or has any questions about his future. Taking some time to reset, relax and focus on his mental health may actually be more beneficial than running the same drills for the umpteenth week in a row.
That doesn’t mean that it isn’t unusual!
Then again, what about Williams isn’t a little bit different? His one-of-a-kind talent won him the most distinct honor in college football. He carries a pink phone case and paints his nails. He went through the entire NFL Draft process without an agent and only took one visit to the Chicago Bears. His decision to withhold medical information at the Scouting Combine was the first time that has ever happened.
Williams has approached the NFL Draft unlike any player before him. A trip to Japan is included falls under his unique umbrella.
There are no questions about his future. Williams is going to be selected first overall by the Bears and will join an offense that is perhaps the most prepared for a rookie quarterback that a team drafted at No. 1 has ever been. He has already proved that he can play. He is in great shape.
To fly halfway around the world just a few weeks before his life is going to change forever shouldn’t draw criticism, even if the optics are unique. Rather, we should admire Williams for not being scared of the critics and doing what he needs to do for himself.