New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye has a connection with Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams.
The rookies will meet for the first time in the NFL on Sunday. However, they have a connection that predates the league and even college. Williams is viewed as a cornerstone piece for the Bears’ organization, much like Maye is for the Patriots.
Maye discussed his relationship with Williams and the Bears quarterback’s development from high school until now, via Pro Football Talk’s Michael David Smith.
“You spend a lot of time with those guys, you see them some on visits, some at the Combine,” Maye said. “With Caleb, I’ve seen him since high school. Going to the same camps, we were at Elite 11 with each other, we had some college visits together.
“We’re going through the process again. In college we were friends, I enjoyed watching him do his thing, and now we get a chance to compete. Any time you go against a rookie quarterback in the same class it’s a little extra. I’m looking forward to going out there and getting a chance to play the Bears.”
Both quarterbacks are looking to turn their franchises around, and both have shown flashes of success. Williams has thrown for 1,665 yards, nine touchdowns and five interceptions.
Maye has recorded 770 yards, six touchdowns and four interceptions on the season. Sunday’s game will be a showdown between two promising rookies and a preview of the future of the NFL.