Caleb Williams stirs rivalry with CJ Stroud by resharing old comments

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams has reignited his budding rivalry with Houston Texans star CJ Stroud, posting a TikTok video that resurfaced Stroud’s 2024 comments suggesting the Bears should have kept Justin Fields over drafting Williams.

The video, first noted by Pro Football Network’s Jacob Infante, cuts from Stroud’s interview—where he said the Bears should stick with Fields “if they’re smart”—to highlights of Williams’ standout 2025 season. That year, Williams set a single-season passing record for Chicago and led the team to its first playoff victory in 15 years.

Background of the rivalry

Williams and Stroud first faced off in Week 2 of the 2024 season, with the Texans winning 19-13. After the game, Stroud—then the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year—told Williams to “stop taking those hits” after the Bears QB was sacked seven times. The moment went viral, and Stroud later denied trying to “little bro” his counterpart.

Stroud’s pre-draft comment about Fields added fuel to the fire. Fields was traded to the New York Jets in 2024, where he went 2-7 as a starter before being benched and later dealt to the Kansas City Chiefs. Meanwhile, Williams has emerged as Chicago’s franchise quarterback.

Social media reaction

Fans on social media cheered Williams’ subtle dig. “Love our petty QB,” wrote one supporter. Another noted, “The Bears have desperately needed a hater at QB.”

• Williams re-shared Stroud’s 2024 interview on TikTok.
• Stroud had said the Bears would be “smart” to keep Fields over Williams.
• Williams set Chicago’s single-season passing record in 2025 and won a playoff game.
• Fields struggled with the Jets before being traded to the Chiefs.
• Stroud is facing contract extension talks with the Texans after a slight regression in 2025.

What's next

Both quarterbacks enter the 2026 season with high expectations. Williams looks to build on his breakthrough year, while Stroud aims to return to his rookie form ahead of a potential mega-extension. The rivalry, now fueled by social media, adds an extra layer to any future meetings between Chicago and Houston.