Caleb Williams had every reason to cry this time.
The quarterback had just become the No. 1 overall pick of the NFL Draft and was wearing a Chicago Bears hat.
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It was suddenly real for the former Heisman Trophy winner, who started as a backup in Oklahoma, then transferred to USC and dealt with a frustrating final season in college before becoming the newest big NFL name with huge career goals.
As Williams made his post-draft media rounds, he sat in front of a screen to watch a video.
His mom, Dayna Price, suddenly appeared on the screen.
"Hey, Caleb," she began. "I teared up a little bit as I prepare to say this message to you. You must have got that crying from me. But continue to be your authentic self."
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Williams smiled.
Then his mother began telling the story of her son's birth.
Within seconds, the new Bears QB was crying again and couldn't contain his emotions.
"At eight months, you began to run," his mom said. "You haven't stopped running. ... I love the way you have moved through life."
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For more than two minutes, Williams shared a very private moment with his mom that NFL fans across the world would soon see on social media.
The rookie QB kept crying and rubbed both of his eyes with a tissue.
Caleb Williams explains how he ‘lost it’ during emotional viral embrace that saw him crying with mother after loss
"She's just been there to support me, been there for me," he said. "She's a wonderful lady, my best friend."
As the video ended, Williams shared a final message with the woman who has always supported and pushed him.
"I love you, mom," he said. "Thanks for everything you've done for me."
Williams previously broke into tears after USC lost a tough game to Washington.
Tthe young QB's willingness to publicly display his emotion was controversial leading into the first round of the draft Thursday in Detroit.
"He is this modern quarterback who’s not afraid to (show emotion)," ESPN draft expert Matt Miller exclusively told talkSPORT.
"It’s not like he’s slamming his helmet down on the sideline in frustration. He’s emotional.
"I would take that 10 times out of 10 over a guy who’s bumping into his coach on the sideline or slamming his helmet down."
Williams is expected to be a Week 1 starter for the Bears, who are set to play in London at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the 2024 season.
Rounds 4-7 of the draft are Saturday.
Six QBs were taken in the first round, which tied an NFL record set in 1983.
That famed draft featured Hall of Fame Qbs John Elway, Jim Kelly and Dan Marino.
Williams is already so popular that his merchandise sales on Fanatics, including jerseys, set a new record for draft-night sales in any sport.
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That allowed the new Bears QB to surpass Caitlin Clark.
Williams switched his jersey number from No. 13 at USC to No. 18 with the Bears.