Caleb Williams is making history as the second Chicago Bears player to land on the cover of the Madden NFL video game. Following in the footsteps of Saquon Barkley, who was featured on last year's cover, Williams received high praise from the Philadelphia Eagles star for his rapid development and standout performances on the field. Barkley took to social media to celebrate his former rival's accomplishment, sharing, "I wasn't able to congratulate him in person, but Caleb, congratulations on joining the fraternity." He highlighted Williams' electrifying plays and impressive playoff showing, which nearly led the Bears to the NFC Championship. Barkley also expressed admiration for how Williams revived the team's playoff presence, marking their return after years of struggle.
While the Bears came up just short of the NFC title game, Williams' performance helped him secure a number of franchise records and solidify his growing reputation as one of the league's top young talents. His efforts in the playoffs and during the regular season, where he finished with 3,942 passing yards and 27 touchdowns in 17 starts, were instrumental in his selection for the coveted Madden cover.
What’s ahead for the Bears in 2026
Looking toward the 2026 season, the Bears are aiming to improve on their 11-6 regular-season record from the previous year with Williams at quarterback. The team has high aspirations, including reestablishing dominance in the NFC North, a division they haven't won since the 2005–2006 seasons. Chicago's 2026 campaign kicks off on the road against the Carolina Panthers on September 13 at 1 p.m. ET. Fans and analysts alike are watching closely to see if the Bears can build on their recent success and solidify themselves as a top contender in the conference.