Caleb Williams May Have Accidentally Leaked The Bears’ New Jesey In Gift To Pope Leo [PHOTO]
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
Caleb Williams is the Madden 27 cover athlete, a rising face of the NFL, and apparently now the unofficial ambassador of the Chicago Bears to the Vatican. Williams earned the honor after a breakout sophomore season in which he set franchise records, threw 27 touchdowns, and guided the Bears to an 11-6 record and a playoff win.
On the Fourth of July, Williams’ Caleb Cares Foundation arranged for the U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See, Brian Burch, to personally deliver a signed No. 18 jersey to Pope Leo XIV. The moment immediately went viral for two very different reasons.
Bears QB Caleb Williams gifted Pope Leo an autographed 18 jersey for the 4th of July. 🇺🇸
Check out the white jersey. Nike rivalries leak? 👀
via @calebcaresfdn pic.twitter.com/h2QXfuFHaR
— Bearsszn (@bearszn) July 5, 2026
The first reason is obvious: it’s an NFL quarterback sending a signed jersey to the Pope. The second reason is more interesting to Bears fans specifically. The white jersey Williams signed does not match any uniform Chicago currently wears. This has led to widespread speculation that the photo amounts to an accidental first look at the team’s upcoming Nike Rivalries alternate uniforms for the 2026 season.
“We are celebrating the 4th of July in a big way!” the Caleb Cares Foundation posted on social media. “The US Ambassador to the Holy See, Brian Burch, gave Pope Leo an autographed #18 jersey for the 4th of July!”
Why Pope Leo XIV Getting a Caleb Williams Jersey Makes Perfect Sense
This is not a random celebrity outreach play. Pope Leo XIV — born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, Illinois — is a lifelong Bears and White Sox fan who has made no secret of his love for Chicago sports since his election as the 267th Supreme Pontiff in May 2025. The moment he emerged on the Vatican balcony, the Chicago sports world collectively claimed him as one of their own. The Bears were no exception.
Williams’ Caleb Cares Foundation dedicates itself to eliminating bullying, increasing mental health awareness, and empowering underdogs. The gesture highlighted as much about the foundation’s values as it did about football diplomacy. The signed jersey delivery was coordinated through official diplomatic channels, which adds a layer of gravitas to what could have easily been a gimmick.
Caleb Williams and the Bears Are Building Something Real
The Madden 27 reveal also generated its own side drama. A prominent rapper publicly criticized Williams for appearing on the cover with painted fingernails, calling it a “bad example” for young fans. Williams did not respond publicly — which, given that he was busy coordinating a jersey delivery to the Vatican, tracks completely.
The Bears enter Year 2 of the Ben Johnson era with legitimate NFC title expectations. Their quarterback situation ranks among the most exciting in football. Chicago’s rebuild is not just working — it has become one of the better stories in the entire league.
