Bears QB Caleb Williams has the perfect reaction after officially being announced as the Madden NFL 27 cover athlete

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams just became the first player in franchise history to be the official cover athlete for Madden, and he had the perfect reaction talking with Jason and Travis Kelce on the New Heights podcast.

Kole Noble Chicago Bears News Writer
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Nov 28, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) celebrates after the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field.
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) celebrates after the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams is officially the new cover athlete of Madden NFL 27 after the announcement was made by EA Sports on Wednesday, becoming the first player in franchise history to grace the official cover.

Williams did what many NFL stars have dreamed about in just three years in the NFL, proving he has become the biggest rising star in the entire league and one of the game’s most marketable players.

After the official announcement was made, Caleb Williams appeared on the New Heights podcast with Travis and Jason Kelce and had the perfect reaction to the breaking news.

Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams reacts to being named the cover athlete of Madden NFL 27

“Let’s freaking go man,” Williams said. “Everyone obviously knows the Air Jordan sunrise of (Michael Jordan) doing the Air Jordan with the skyline behind him. I was like “I want to recreate it, kind of bring it back 30 years later. We did that one and this one (Iceman pose), this one had to go in there. This was a really cool photoshoot.”

Williams is now the 11th quarterback to grace the cover of Madden and joins some elite company looking at the list of names. Some people don’t believe Williams has earned the honor yet, but Williams believes it’ll be just his first.

“Obviously a childhood dream,” Williams explained. “My game is right here. I love games, it’s something I do just to go home and sit down and relax and not worry about anything and still get to compete. Childhood dream, man. Honestly, Mike Vick being on the cover a couple of others obviously, John Madden. It’s going to go up for sure – probably one of the newer trophies for me – being able to put it right up next to all of the cool trophies I have and accolades I have. Dream come true. And they’ve never had two back-to-back. So, let’s see if I can go and make it back-to-back this year.”

Patrick Mahomes was the latest player to grace the cover multiple times, once on Madden NFL 20 and again alongside Tom Brady on the cover of Madden NFL 22. To go back-to-back, Williams will need to have a worthy season and winning MVP or a Super Bowl would certainly prove himself worthy.

Madden NFL 27 rating disrespected their own cover athlete

Williams was also hoping for something else from the game, a rare 99 overall rating.

“I don’t know the rating,” Williams said. “Hopefully it’s a 99 for being the cover and then I get some other ratings. I got some work to do then (if he’s not a 99). I’m trying to get up there with Mr. Golden Cleats (Travis Kelce).”

After saying that, Jason Kelce revealed the top rankings with Williams coming in at 90 overall. Travis Kelce got the last laugh with his 91 rating. Williams wasn’t satisfied with that news.

“The end of the year, it’ll be a 99,” Williams added. “You gotta update them.”

This is still an iconic moment for Williams and Bears fans. It’s great to hear Williams relishing in this honor, because it is a massive deal.