Caleb Williams’ Chicago Crew: Qb, NBA Star & Mlb Hitter Bond Over Pressure

Caleb Williams didn’t just make headlines with his playoff comeback against the Packers—he made history with the people closest to him. The Bears quarterback, now a national star, shares a tight-knit circle with Matas Buzelis, the Bulls’ 2024 first-round pick, and Pete Crow-Armstrong, the Cubs’ rising MVP candidate ^[1].

Their friendship began in unlikely ways: Buzelis and Williams connected during Williams’ junior year at USC, bonding over shared ambition and Chicago roots ^[1]. Crow-Armstrong, meanwhile, followed Williams on social media before their paths crossed in the Windy City. Now, the trio’s group chat is a constant pulse of motivation, memes, and mutual hype.

"We want to one-up each other every time," Buzelis said. "We see Pete hit three home runs in one game. Now we want to do something in our sport that’s that outstanding."

Their bond is more than casual camaraderie. They gather at Cole Bennett’s Chicago-area home for bonfires and s’mores—rare moments of unguarded conversation where they vent, reflect, and recharge ^[1]. Bennett, the Lyrical Lemonade founder who directed Williams’ career documentary, calls Williams’ self-aware confidence "a really unique trait."

They’ve been spotted at each other’s games, navigating packed restaurants with quiet urgency, and even bonding during a Blackhawks game where Williams had "no room to breathe" amid fan frenzy ^[1].

Their connection isn’t just about friendship—it’s a survival mechanism. All three are under immense pressure, balancing elite careers with public scrutiny. Yet, in their circle, they’re not rivals. They’re allies.

Crow-Armstrong, 24, is expected to be named National League MVP on Nov. 12, according to ^[1], though the honor has not been confirmed.

Buzelis, the Bulls’ small forward, is building his NBA career. Williams, in his third season, is leading the Bears to a 4-2 start and national attention.

The group’s influence extends beyond the court, field, and gridiron. When Williams’ jump pass against Green Bay became the cover of Madden NFL 27, it wasn’t just a moment of personal triumph—it was a shared victory for a crew that understands the weight of the spotlight.

What happens next? The Bears host the Patriots, and the chat is expected to explode ^[1]. The story was first reported by ESPN.