Caleb Williams honored by USC with jersey retirement

Bears tight end and Notre Dame alum Cole Kmet was also on hand to support Williams and his alma mater.

“It was great to have somebody to support me from here,” Williams added, “somebody who has helped me since I got here, whether it’s from in the huddle or us talking about how I can be better for all of us at the Bears or things we can do better as a team. He’s been extremely helpful. For him to show up and show out is great. I’m not happy I have to soon wear some Irish gear, but other than that, I’m super happy he could come and support me.”

For Kmet, showing up for Williams in such a special moment was an easy decision. His only complaint was Williams leaving right after the game, leaving Kmet with no time to showboat as Notre Dame got the win over USC. The tight end will make sure Williams dons some of his Fighting Irish gear before the end of the week.

“Caleb’s been so supportive of me — coming to my engagement party, coming to my brother’s high school game, so I thought it was important to show support for him by going out there with the time off,” Kmet said. “To have your number retired at such a prestigious university is such a cool honor, so definitely wanted to be there for that. It was great to see his whole family out there supporting him and see him doing his thing. I’m glad I could be a part of it.”