Chicago has always been a city of larger-than-life sports figures. From Michael Jordan soaring through the air at the United Center to Walter Payton pounding the turf at Soldier Field, the Windy City knows a star when it sees one. Now, in 2025, two of the city’s brightest young talents are turning heads—and showing mutual respect in the process. Caleb Williams, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and the new face of the Chicago Bears franchise, had a one-word response when asked to describe another ascending sports figure in the city: “Special.” That player? Chicago Bulls standout guard Matas Buzelis.
It’s a moment that caught the attention of Chicago fans and media alike. Williams, still acclimating to life in the NFL and one of the most scrutinized rookies in recent memory, didn’t elaborate much on his comment. He didn’t need to. The simplicity of the compliment packed more punch than a full paragraph. “Special” carries weight when it comes from someone who’s spent his entire football life being labeled the same way. The comment came during an offseason media availability after a workout at Halas Hall, where a reporter asked Williams for his thoughts on Buzelis’ recent performance during the Bulls’ playoff run. Without hesitation, he smiled and offered that single word—and it was enough to spark headlines across the city.
To understand the significance of the moment, one has to grasp the broader picture of Chicago sports at the moment. The Bears have long been searching for their next great quarterback, someone capable of not just lifting the team out of mediocrity but transforming the entire organization. In Williams, many believe they’ve found that cornerstone. After an electric career at USC that included a Heisman Trophy and countless jaw-dropping highlights, he arrived in Chicago with sky-high expectations. He’s young, confident, creative, and has shown early signs of leadership that fans hope will carry the Bears to relevance—and perhaps even greatness—once again.
Just a few miles away at the United Center, Matas Buzelis has begun writing his own chapter in Chicago lore. After forgoing college basketball and playing for the G League Ignite before being drafted by the Bulls, the 6-foot-10 forward with a unique blend of length, ball-handling, and vision has rapidly evolved into a key figure in the Bulls’ rebuilding effort. In a year that saw the Bulls exceed expectations and make a surprising push into the postseason, Buzelis became the player fans couldn’t stop talking about. His composure in clutch moments, highlight-reel plays, and evolving all-around game earned him respect from veterans, coaches, and opposing teams alike.
Williams’ praise was more than just a soundbite—it was a recognition of shared ambition. Both Williams and Buzelis are young, gifted, and trying to do something immensely difficult: become franchise saviors in one of the most demanding sports cities in America. Chicago fans love their teams, but they don’t hand out affection easily. They expect results, toughness, and players who understand what it means to wear a Chicago uniform. Both Williams and Buzelis seem to get that. They’ve embraced the weight of expectations instead of running from it.
In truth, their paths aren’t all that different. Williams was a can’t-miss high school prospect, the top quarterback in the country, and someone who transferred to USC in search of a bigger stage and better opportunity. His play in Los Angeles elevated him to national superstardom, culminating in a first overall selection that came with endless pressure and promise. Buzelis, similarly, was a five-star prospect out of high school who could have gone anywhere in the country but chose the G League route—a non-traditional path that comes with unique scrutiny. Like Williams, he bet on himself and has, so far, delivered.
While they play different sports and possess different personalities—Williams is charismatic and open; Buzelis is quiet and cerebral—the mutual respect between them speaks volumes. It’s not just that they’re fans of each other’s games. It’s that they understand what the other is going through. The media attention. The constant comparisons. The weight of expectation. In Chicago, they’re not just expected to be good—they’re expected to be great. To bring banners and titles back to their respective teams. And while the challenge is daunting, both seem uniquely equipped to handle it.
There’s also something unspoken but important about the symbolism of a quarterback praising a basketball player. In most cities, especially one like Chicago, the Bears are king. Football dominates the headlines, and the quarterback is the most scrutinized figure in town. For Williams to publicly lift up another athlete says something about his character and leadership. It suggests that he sees himself not just as a quarterback, but as part of a broader Chicago sports community. It shows humility, maturity, and a sense of camaraderie that fans appreciate.
Buzelis, for his part, has responded in kind. In a post-game interview following one of the Bulls’ late-season wins, he was asked about Williams and smiled. “He’s got the city behind him,” he said. “We’re lucky to have a guy like that leading the Bears. I think he’s going to be something special.” It’s not hard to imagine the two attending each other’s games, perhaps forming the type of cross-sport friendship that fans love to see. There’s already buzz about a potential joint appearance at a community event this summer—something both players have expressed interest in.
That’s another key factor in this narrative: both Williams and Buzelis have embraced Chicago off the field and court. Williams has already visited iconic city spots, spent time with local kids, and spoken about his desire to be more than just a football player—he wants to be part of the culture, part of the identity. Buzelis, a native of the Chicago area, has been similarly committed, talking often about what it means to play for his hometown team and the pride he takes in representing the city. That local connection only strengthens the bond between athlete and fan.
What makes this moment even more compelling is that it comes at a time when the Bears and Bulls are both at critical junctures. The Bears, after years of quarterback instability, now have a young star to build around. The front office has added key weapons on offense, and the defense looks poised to return to form. There’s genuine hope for the future—and it starts with Williams. The Bulls, meanwhile, have struggled with consistency in recent years, but the emergence of Buzelis and a few savvy roster moves have sparked optimism. It’s not a stretch to imagine both teams returning to playoff relevance in the near future.
The hope, of course, is that these two young stars continue to rise—individually and together. Chicago is a city that celebrates excellence but demands results. That’s not lost on either of them. Williams has spoken openly about wanting to win Super Bowls in Chicago. Buzelis, meanwhile, has said he wants to help restore the Bulls to their former glory. Those aren’t just empty promises; they’re goals rooted in hard work, focus, and belief.
The power of one word—“special”—can’t be understated. It was a brief moment, a simple quote, but it carried deep meaning. It showed that Williams sees greatness in someone else, just as many see greatness in him. It reflected the mutual aspirations of two athletes who understand the magnitude of the stage they’re on. And it reminded fans of what’s possible when stars align in a city that’s always waiting for its next big sports chapter.
In the months and years ahead, Chicago will be watching. Every touchdown pass, every game-winning three-pointer, every handshake and photo-op between the two will be dissected and discussed. But for now, the message is clear: Chicago’s future is bright, and its brightest stars aren’t afraid to acknowledge one another. Caleb Williams didn’t have to say much. Just one word. “Special.” That says it all.