Every NFL season, a significant number of rookie players achieve their aspirations, and this fall, Caleb Williams will be among those who achieve their dreams. In April’s draft, the Chicago Bears selected the former USC quarterback first overall. He is now faced with the immense pressure of being the new face of one of the league’s most storied franchises.

“They didn’t just tell me [they want to win], they were showing me how we do it,” he said. “That’s always big. I’ve always been a routine guy. I’ve always been true to my work, committed to that and things like that. They’ve been saying that they want to win, they’ve been saying that they’re hungry. When I went there on a visit, they were showing me plans of how they plan on implementing that, things like that throughout the whole team, myself, to be able to lead these guys to victories.”

Players Are Now Becoming More Entrepreneurial When Entering The League

The new generation of professional athletes entering their respective leagues are taking an entrepreneurial approach, using their platforms and visibility to create diverse business opportunities. A notable example is Harrison, son of Hall of Fame wideout Marvin Harrison, who has taken a unique approach by opting out of the NFL Players Association’s group licensing agreement (GLA). Per ESPN, Harrison can profit directly from his name, image, and likeness by controlling his own brand through this strategic decision. He sells memorabilia like Harrison Buckeyes jerseys on his website, The Official Harrison Collection, for $80 each. Harrison’s refusal to adhere to traditional licensing agreements is setting a precedent for future athletes who want to have more control over their commercial rights and maximize their personal revenue streams.

The entrepreneurial spirit of current athletes is exemplified by Caleb Williams, who built a significant personal brand while at USC and the University of Oklahoma. According to SI, Williams has established high-profile partnerships with companies such as Dr. Pepper, Nissan, Wendy’s, and United Airlines. Williams became a savvy businessman even before entering the NFL due to the substantial income generated by these endorsements. By building a brand and forming lucrative business relationships while still in college, he highlights the change in how athletes view their careers. 

Their focus is not solely on excelling on the field; they are also focused on leveraging their influence and marketability creating sustainable wealth and business opportunities that will endure long after their playing days are over.

Caleb Williams Launches an Investment Company:

According to Bloomberg’s report on June 12, Williams is starting his own investment firm called 888 Midas. The website of 888 Midas states that it aims to associate and capitalize on specific alternative investments in private equity, venture capital, and real estate.

Ross Walker, a partner of the firm, has been working with the 22-year-old gunfighter since 2022, as per Ryan Kartje of the Los Angeles Times.

The individuals Who Make Up 888 Midas:

Caleb’s partners and advisors in the investment and business advisory vehicle includes:

• Sherif Guirgis, former Managing Director at Main Street Advisors
• Ross Walker, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Hawkins Way Capital, a multi-billion-dollar real estate enterprise
• John Terzian, Co-Founder and Co-President of The H.Wood Group, a leading hospitality, lifestyle and media company with creative outlets spanning beyond Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Miami, Dallas and Dubai
• Lew Wolff, Chairman of Wolff Urban, a long-standing real estate development and management firm, and former Co-Owner and Managing Partner of the Oakland Athletics Major League Baseball team

Williams’ decision to start this firm underscores his desire to stay focused on his primary goal: “bringing the Lombardi Trophy back home to Chicago where it belongs.” 

During his last two years at USC, Williams earned about $10 million in NIL and endorsements as per The Athletic’s Kalyn Kahler. According to Forbes’ Phil Rogers, he is working with a ‘team of lawyers’ instead of an NFLPA-certified agent in order to secure a four-year deal worth $39.4 million.

A Future Full Of Promise Both On And Off The Field

In the event that Williams lives up to his potential, Williams will be able to invest a lot of money in the future. He’s one of the most coveted QB prospects of the past decade, and there’s no limit to what he can achieve both on the gridiron and financially.

Williams concisely communicated his approach: 

Per the press release, Caleb stated, “I always planned on being both an athlete and a businessman. As I’ve reached many of my athletic goals and dreams, multiple business opportunities have also surfaced. Athletes are often inundated with and distracted by these opportunities. To eliminate the potential for distraction, it was important to me to immediately set up a business operation with established, trusted partners and advisors I’ve known for years to strategically take advantage of ventures in the global marketplace. This partnership will enable me to focus the entirety of my time and energy on learning the professional football game and bringing the Lombardi Trophy back home to Chicago where it belongs. I’m beyond excited to have 888 Midas working for me and for its expected growth as an investment and advisory entity in the years to come.”

Caleb Williams has a strong foundation that can not only impact the NFL but also secure his financial future through smart, strategic investments. As the new season nears, Bears fans have every reason to be thrilled about their new quarterback’s possibilities, both on and off the gridiron.