CHICAGO — Caleb Williams sought to honor Michael Jordan when the Bears quarterback was chosen for the cover of ‘Madden NFL 27,’ Williams said Thursday evening at the EA Sports season-opening event at Chicago’s Navy Pier. EA Sports wanted one of the two covers to feature Williams’ jump pass, the play most remembered from his fourth-down throw in the Bears’ come-from-behind win over the Packers in the 2025 wild-card round, and Williams asked that the Chicago skyline be placed behind him.
Williams pointed to the 1985 Air Jordan campaign as inspiration, saying the original poster captured Jordan midair in his signature Jumpman pose with the sun setting over the skyscrapers. Jordan won six championships with the Bulls from 1991-98, and Williams said he wanted to bring that retro energy and pay respect to what Jordan achieved in Chicago.
A meeting between Williams and Jordan is ‘in the works,’ the 24-year-old quarterback said, as the two have been attempting to synchronize schedules to meet for the first time. Williams described earning the Madden cover as a milestone, calling it ‘another steppingstone’ in his pursuit of long-term goals and saying the support of teammates, coaches and family matters most.
Williams took part in the game’s trailer alongside actor Vince Vaughn and told the crowd he wants to earn a second cover, a distinction achieved only by Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady. When a fan asked whether he could avoid the so-called ‘Madden curse,’ Williams pointed at his face and replied, ‘Damn right.’
Coming off an 11-win season that included Chicago’s first playoff victory in 15 years, Williams enters his third season as the Bears’ starting quarterback amid increasing national attention. He said he understands the demands of playing in a large market, noting he grew up in Washington, played in Los Angeles and is now in Chicago, and that experience has helped prepare him for the spotlight.
