It’s not uncommon for pre-game meetings between players and broadcasters to go unnoticed — until one doesn’t happen.
That’s exactly what unfolded between Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams and legendary Dallas Cowboys quarterback–turned–ESPN announcer Troy Aikman, setting off a wave of speculation ahead of the Bears’ Monday Night Football clash against the Washington Commanders.
What started as a simple scheduling miss has now evolved into a mini-controversy that has Bears fans — and even the team’s coach — talking about respect, fairness, and a little bit of luck.
When the Meeting That Never Happened Became the Talk of the Week
NFL commentators like Aikman usually meet privately with key players and coaches before games to get insights that help shape their broadcasts. But this time, that didn’t happen.
“I didn’t get to meet with him,” Williams told reporters. “I tried to, reached out and tried to meet, but that didn’t happen.
So I just moved on, played the game, and came out 3-2.”
Williams explained that he was in the facility late, and timing simply didn’t align.
He even attempted to call Aikman afterward but said the call didn’t go through.
The Daily Mail reportedly reached out to ESPN for clarification, but as of yet, there’s no explanation about what went wrong.
Aikman’s Commentary Didn’t Sit Well in Chicago
Normally, missing a quick pre-game chat wouldn’t matter — but in this case, it became fuel for frustration.
Williams, his head coach Ben Johnson, and Bears fans felt Aikman’s game commentary leaned too harshly on Chicago’s performance during their ugly but victorious game against the Commanders.
“It sounded like from that game the other night, a few people weren’t particularly pleased with how we are winning right now,” Johnson said with a smile during an ESPN Radio appearance in Chicago.
He added that his kids had been rewatching the game that morning, and he caught some of Aikman’s remarks.
Though Johnson didn’t specify which comments rubbed him the wrong way, he made it clear the Bears feel overlooked.
“You want respect in this league, you’ve got to go earn it,” he said. “That’s where we’re at — trying to earn it from everyone.”
Caleb Williams Claps Back Online
Williams didn’t mince words either. When Aikman suggested that a 55-yard touchdown play was the result of luck rather than skill, the young quarterback fired back on Instagram.
Quoting Aikman’s word, Williams wrote, “It was lucky.” Then he added with a playful jab: “Whooptie Doo.”
The post drew attention from teammates, with rookie receiver Luther Burden III dropping an approving emoji — proof that Chicago’s locker room had Williams’ back.
What Aikman Actually Meant by “Luck”
To be fair, Aikman’s comments seemed to focus on Washington’s defensive lapse rather than criticizing Williams directly.
He explained that Bears running back D’Andre Swift turned a short four-yard catch into a long touchdown because of how the Commanders’ defense misplayed the route.
“As open as Swift is, and then you make one guy miss — with his speed, he’s off to the races,” Aikman said during the broadcast. “Just… luck on Chicago’s part.”
Still, even that explanation didn’t stop fans from interpreting it as shade toward their quarterback.
Other Remarks That Annoyed Bears Fans
It wasn’t just the “luck” comment that stirred frustration. During the game, Aikman noted that some of the Bears’ dropped passes might have been due to inaccurate throws from Williams.
After receiver Olamide Zaccheaus dropped a first-quarter pass, Aikman remarked, “He’s been off tonight,” referring to Williams — even though the quarterback was 6-of-8 passing on that drive.
Later in the game, when Zaccheaus dropped another ball, Aikman said the throw was slightly off target: “It just gets up on him, hits him high on the shoulder pads.”
He also mentioned that another Williams throw came out a little late — observations that didn’t sit well with fans who felt Aikman was nitpicking the young QB’s play.
A Victory Overshadowed by Criticism
Despite the chatter, Williams’ performance ultimately helped the Bears notch an important win, improving their record to 3-2.
He finished with 252 passing yards, completing 17 of 29 passes, and most importantly — no turnovers.
Meanwhile, Washington’s quarterback Jayden Daniels threw an interception, adding to the Bears’ momentum.
Chicago fans saw the win as a sign of growth for Williams, who has been under pressure to live up to his Heisman Trophy hype since being drafted first overall in 2024.
Fans Rush to Defend Their Quarterback
On social media, Bears fans were quick to rally behind their signal-caller.
“Aikman was a true hater,” one user wrote, while another asked, “What’s your problem with the Bears, my man?”
Many fans praised Williams for his consistency, pointing out that five solid games in a row prove he’s finding his rhythm.
“He’s clearly the real deal and proving all the doubters wrong with his arm talent,” one supporter commented.
Respect Still Has to Be Earned
For now, both sides appear ready to move on — Aikman standing by his analysis, and Williams focusing on football.
But one thing is clear: the young Bears star and his coach want to earn not just wins, but respect.
Whether or not Aikman meant any disrespect, the episode has reignited an age-old NFL theme — that respect in the league isn’t given, it’s earned, play by play.