BB.Caleb Williams surprised everyone: After a thrilling 19-17 win over the Vikings, he ran to comfort a devastated J.J. McCarthy on the sideline
Chicago, Illinois. In a tense, low-scoring NFC North showdown that ended 19-17 in favor of the Chicago Bears on November 16, the most memorable moment didn’t happen on the field. It happened on the visiting team’s sideline after the clock hit zero.
J.J. McCarthy, the Vikings’ second-year quarterback, sat motionless on the bench, elbows on his knees, staring blankly at the Soldier Field turf. He had just endured one of the roughest nights of his young career: 16-of-32 for 150 yards, 1 touchdown, 2 crushing interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), and a passer rating of just 47.7. Minnesota had held a late lead in the fourth quarter, but McCarthy’s mistakes opened the door for Chicago’s comeback in the final minutes.
As his teammates filed toward the tunnel, McCarthy stayed behind alone, helmet resting beside him, head bowed under the weight of disappointment.
Then Caleb Williams walked over.
The Bears’ quarterback, fresh off leading his team to a division-clinching victory, quietly left the celebration at midfield. He crossed the field, approached the Vikings’ bench, and gently placed a hand on McCarthy’s shoulder.
J.J. looked up, eyes red.
Caleb pulled him into a short, genuine embrace.
A nearby staff member clearly heard Williams whisper: “You’re a hell of a player, man. This one night doesn’t define you. Keep going. You’re gonna be special.”
McCarthy could only nod, speechless, but he gave Williams a firm pat on the back before letting go.
Later, in the Vikings’ locker room, an emotional McCarthy spoke to reporters about the gesture: “He didn’t have to do that… but he did. I’ll never forget it. Caleb’s a fierce competitor, but tonight he showed me he’s an even better person.”
On the other side, when asked about the moment, Caleb kept it simple: “J.J.’s a warrior. I know how bad that feels. I just wanted him to know people still believe in him.”
The 19-17 victory moved the Bears into first place in the NFC North, but the image of Caleb Williams crossing the field to hug a devastated J.J. McCarthy is what millions of NFL fans are talking about today.
Football isn’t always about the final score. Sometimes its most beautiful moments happen when one human being reaches out to another.
Commanders RB Austin Ekeler turns devistating injury into one unique opportunity for life after football
The Washington Commanders have been riddled with injuries this season, including season-ending ones to multiple starters.
Veteran running back Austin Ekeler was poised to have a massive season with a critical role on offense, but all of that was cut way too short. Ekeler went down in the second game of the season with a long road to recovery.
Instead of sitting back and just giving up, Ekeler does what he always does: keeps his head up and makes the most of it. While he’s recovering, Ekeler has a very unique opportunity that not many players get.
Austin Ekeler to be a guest on Netflix during the Commanders’ Christmas Day game
Just because Ekeler’s season is over, that doesn’t mean he can’t take part in the team, just in a much different way. The Commanders are hosting the Dallas Cowboys at home for a rivalry game on Christmas Day, and Ekeler will be there. He won’t be on the field, but instead he’ll be working on his life after football skills as a desk analyst for the game on Netflix.
Announcing our on-air talent for NFL Christmas Gameday
Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders at 1 PM ET
Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings at 4:30 PM ETLIVE on Netflix December 25
pic.twitter.com/vW6CJmlrir — Netflix Sports (@netflixsports) November 18, 2025
Ekeler will join Kay Adams, Devin McCourty, and Michael Irvin to discuss the Commanders vs. Cowboys game, which promises to be very entertaining. We all know Ekeler has a strong screen presence, and he’s known for his activity in the fantasy football community, as well as podcasts and shows when he’s not on the field. This gives him a big stage to show what he can do on the media side of football whenever he decides to hang it up. We aren’t sure if Ekeler will come back to keep playing after his gruesome injury, and maybe this is it for him.
Feb 7, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler at the NFLPA Press Conference at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center prior to Super Bowl LVIII. © Kyle Terada-Images
Austin Ekeler’s injury might be the end of a magical run
It’s weird to see a player in the media talking about a game involving a team he’s still technically part of, even if his season is over. Ekeler tore his Achilles tendon during the Week 2 matchup against the Green Bay Packers, and that’s a tough injury to come back from. He will also be 31 heading into next season, so maybe this is a preview for what’s to come if he decides to call it a career.
Regardless, this is a big opportunity that he’s going to crush, and be an enjoyable watch, which is great because we have no idea what to expect from this team anymore with a 3-8 record.
