NFL Rumors: Caleb Williams' Father Carl Broached Idea of QB Getting Ownership Stake

Caleb Williams' father, Carl, reportedly approached agents about the USC quarterback receiving an ownership stake from the NFL team that drafts him.

Kalyn Kahler of The Athletic reported previous rumors about Williams' camp discussing the unheard-of ask were accurate, despite Caleb Williams expressing confusion over the assertion. NFL rules prohibit teams from offering current players ownership stakes as part of contracts, so the plan did not have an opportunity to get off the ground.

Caleb Williams has been the presumed No. 1 overall pick in April's draft for more than a year. While few question his ability on the field, Williams has faced concerns about those who surround him—particularly his father. Carl Williams made headlines last fall when he hinted at Caleb returning to USC if he was unhappy with the team that landed the No. 1 pick.

"The funky thing about the NFL draft process is, he'd almost be better off not being drafted than being drafted first. The system is completely backwards," Carl Williams told Sam Schube of GQ. "The way the system is constructed, you go to the worst possible situation. The worst possible team, the worst organization in the league — because of their desire for parity — gets the first pick. So it's the gift and the curse."

The fallout of that interview led to Carl Williams largely avoiding the media over the last few months. Caleb Williams squashed all concerns he could try to steer his future in a recent interview with Pete Thamel of ESPN.

"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."

The Bears are currently attempting to decide whether to trade the No. 1 overall pick for the second straight year or draft Williams.