One of the lasting images of the college football season took place in Hollywood this past Saturday.
Reigning Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams and USC suffered yet another loss in what has been a nightmare season for the Trojans.
Following the devastating 52-42 loss to Washington, Williams ran towards his family and jumped up into the stands, which is not something you see every day, especially following a loss.
Williams proceeded to cry uncontrollably as his mother shielded him from the cameras.
He would later speak about how sad and disappointed he was with all the losses piling up. He said in his press conference that all he wanted to do was “go home and cuddle” with his dog.
The sight of Williams openly weeping in his mother’s arms has sparked debate in the football world … Many complimented him for displaying passion and being so open with his emotions.
“Watching Caleb Williams sobbing with his family after losing the game will BREAK YOUR HEART. This young man pours his heart out for his team EVERY TIME he plays. Any NFL team would be lucky to have him as their QB and this emotion shows how much this game means to him,” Robert Griffin III tweeted on X.
Watching Caleb Williams sobbing with his family after losing the game will BREAK YOUR HEART. This young man pours his heart out for his team EVERY TIME he plays. Any NFL team would be lucky to have him as their QB and this emotion shows how much this game means to him. @CALEBcsw pic.twitter.com/BLBBE9IvG9
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) November 5, 2023
However, many others thought it was a sign of Williams being soft … One of those people being former NFL All-Pro Robert Mathis.
“Sorry @RGIII (all love lil bro) but I gotta chalk this one up in the soft category. He ran and jumped in stance to his mommy and cried. I always tell players ‘I’ll never lie to em’ and this is not the look you want from your trigger man,” Mathis tweeted in response to RG3.
Sorry @RGIII (all love lil bro) but I gotta chalk this one up in the soft category. He ran and jumped in stance to his mommy and cried. I always tell players “I’ll never lie to em” and this is not the look you want from your trigger man. https://t.co/RSXleWdl0U
— ROBERT MATHIS QBH8r (@RobertMathis98) November 5, 2023
Griffin swiftly defended Williams, stressing the authenticity of his emotions and the human aspect of the game.
“You know I got mad respect for you OG and I disagree. I know this young man’s story and the mission he was on with his teammates this season. Showing emotion doesn’t make you soft and these young men are human. It might not be what you want to see but it is real and authentic,” Griffin said.
You know I got mad respect for you OG and I disagree. I know this young man’s story and the mission he was on with his teammates this season. Showing emotion doesn’t make you soft and these young men are human. It might not be what you want to see but it is real and authentic.
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) November 5, 2023
What is your take on Williams’ actions?
In the bigger picture, should he still be considered the favorite to be drafted first overall???