Caleb Williams opens up on impact of Kobe Bryant's Mamba Mentality
The impact of the late great Kobe Bryant on the sports world is profound. Athletes from across the globe have taken inspiration from his famous 'Mamba Mentality' and have used it in their game to bring out the best version of themselves. And Caleb Williams is no different.
The Chicago Bears quarterback sat down with NBC's Maria Taylor ahead of his NFL regular season debut against the Tennessee Titans. Williams spoke in detail about the impact of Kobe Bryant's Mamba Mentality on his life and his game. The rookie explained that he watches the NBA legend's documentary, Muse, every single year and takes inspiration from it.
"I watch the Kobe Mamba documentary once every year," Williams said. "I've already watched it [this year]. But I watch it once every year. I started that in college. My freshman year, I was laying in my bed, and first time watched it, and I loved it so much that I have in my notes the Kobe documentary. And then I have time stamps next to it." [from 4:15 mark onwards]
Williams continued, explaining that he connects with some of Bryant's intangibles. The Bears rookie added that he's taken lessons on grit and dealing with adversity from watching the five-time NBA champion.
"Watching him, watching how he played, you know, how fierce he was, how much he wanted to win and loved to win, I feel as if I connect with those things the most from him. So it's a person that I admire and look to for... Some of the grit, the adversity, how he dealt with it, and even, you know, when I got hurt in my championship game in college, I used what he said is that the game is bigger than anything that I'm feeling."
Bears QB Caleb Williams has the opportunity to replicate what Kobe Bryant achieved with Lakers
Caleb Williams has been viewed as the saviour of the Chicago Bears, who last won a playoff game in 2011 and a Super Bowl in 1986. The franchise has been yearning for a great quarterback. There's never been a 4000-yard passer in the history of the Bears. That tells all the story.
Williams, who can be very polarizing, has never shied away from making bold statements. He's made it clear about chasing Tom Brady's seven Super Bowl rings and cement himself as the greatest quarterback to have every played the game. The 2024 NFL season would be the first step in his quest.
"That's another dream of mine is to become the greatest," Williams said. "It allows me to keep going. Allows me to reach those things, because I know that I can't reach certain things like that in one year, two years, or anything like that. So it gives me a sense of push. It gives me a sense of, you know, 'I'm not good enough.' It gives me a sense of 'I'm not there.' .... it's more of a dream that pushes me." [from 3:26]
Caleb Williams has said in the past about wanting to play at one place for 20 years and make a name for himself. Kobe Bryant did that. The Lakers icon won five championships in Los Angeles in his 20-year career. It is still very early for Williams but the expectations are there.
The Bears rookie is taking over a well-built offense. General manager Ryan Poles went all out this offseason in placing solid pieces around his quarterback. Williams' first assignment would be taking on the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Sept 8, at Soldier Field.