Caleb Williams is a man of few words, so, when he does speak, you listen.
The USC QB has not talked much since the season ended, but with the NFL Scouting Combine taking place in Indianapolis this week, Williams is sharing his thoughts on where he may land for the first time.
Williams spoke to ESPN about the 2024 NFL Draft, stating how excited he is to take the next step in his football career.
"This is what I've been preparing for my whole life," Williams said of the draft. "Since I was 10 or 11, this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. At that age until now, it basically feels like your whole life.
"I'm excited. I'm ready to get back on a football team around my teammates and my brothers — my new brothers now."
The Trojans QB is regarded not only as the top QB prospect but also the likely first overall pick. He's been tied to a number of teams at the top of the draft board, but none more than the Bears. Chicago owns the No. 1 selection after acquiring Carolina's pick last year, and it's entirely up to the Bears if they want Williams or not.
Williams also shared his opinion on potentially landing with the Bears, marking the first time he has discussed his next possible destination.
NFL DRAFT: Latest mock draft | Big board of top 125 prospects
What did Caleb Williams say about the Bears?
No matter if it's with the Bears or if it's with another team, Williams said that he is "excited" to see how the cards play out come draft day.
"If I get drafted by the Bears, I'll be excited," he said. "If they trade the pick and I get drafted by someone else, I'm just as excited. Speaking about Chicago, they have a talented team, a talented offense and defense. For anyone to be in that situation, I think they'd be excited."
If Williams is selected by the Bears, then he joins a city with a rich history of sports. The QB said he has been to Chicago only once, but he has been studying iconic Chicago athletes, such as Bulls legend Michael Jordan and Bears Hall-of-Famer Walter Payton.
MORE: Chicago's Mt. Rushmore of athletes
"I'm 22. I didn't really get to see those players," Williams said. "As the saying goes, the legends live on. That's my goal of playing football. It's not money, it's not fame ... it's to be immortal. I want to reach that sense of being a legend. Being at the table ... and having a rightful seat through hard work and energy and time I've put into this game that we all love.
"It's appealing to be in a city like that, with legends that you've looked up to ... reach for the standard they set and try to do anything to get there."
Of course, the Bears may not end up keeping the first overall pick. Chicago has a young QB currently on its roster in Justin Fields, the team's first-round pick in 2021. His tenure in the Windy City has been up-and-down, and he is coming off another mediocre year in 2023. The Bears have a decision to make in regards to the quarterback position — keep Fields and potentially trade the pick, or trade Fields and take Williams first overall.
MORE: What to know about 2024 NFL Combine schedule & more
If Chicago does not end up being the destination for Williams, then Washington is up next in the pecking order. The Commanders are an intriguing option, with solid offensive pieces already put in place. Plus, Williams is from the DMV, as he grew up in Washington, D.C. and played high school ball at Gonzaga College High School.
"It'd be really cool because it's so familiar," Williams said of playing in Washington. "There's a time and place for everything. My job and my hobby is being at the facility, or on the field, or watching film, or relaxing and prepping for the next day or game.
"My main goal and focus ... is to go win games and stay focused on keeping the main goal the main goal."
Williams will be in Indianapolis for the NFL Combine, but the QB is not participating in any of the drills, nor will he be throwing at the event. Instead, he is planning on meeting with a plethora of teams, including the Bears, Commanders, Patriots, Raiders, Falcons, Jets, Giants, and Vikings, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
No matter where he ends up, Williams should be starting under center for an NFL squad by the time training camp rolls around in the fall. It will be an exciting time not just for the team who ends up with his services, but also for the soon-to-be rookie.
MORE: Making the case for and against the Bears trading Justin Fields
"It's not anxiousness or anything like that," Williams said of getting his first taste of NFL action. "I can't wait to say my first cadence. Regardless of how good or bad, with me switching up the play call, messing up or not messing it up in practice. Whatever the case may be. I can't wait for that moment, that minicamp moment."
