Caleb Williams and C.J. Stroud are the same age. They've seen their careers go in vastly different directions over the past year or so, with the Bears QB becoming the talk of the league under Ben Johnson. Stroud, meanwhile, has struggled mightily for the Texans, failing to capture the form that propelled him to Offensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2023.
The two have been linked with one another ever since their teams met during Williams' rookie season in 2024. At that point, Chicago's QB was an erratic rookie known to absorb too much punishment in the pocket. Stroud, meanwhile was coming off of a dazzling rookie season and figured to bump shoulders with the league's finest passers in due time.
A postgame meet-up between Williams and Stroud captured social media's ire in 2024. A year and a half later, it continues to linger in onlookers minds — albeit for different reasons.
Here's what you need to know about Williams, Stroud and the meme that will follow them for the rest of their careers.
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Caleb Williams-C.J. Stroud meme, explained
Williams and Stroud first crossed paths during the 2024 season, with Stroud's Texans besting Williams' Bears, 19-13, in Week 2.
Neither hurler was particularly impressive during the affair. Williams toiled, completing 23-of-37 passes for 174 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions. Stroud, meanwhile, tallied one touchdown, zero interceptions and 260 yards on 23-of-36 passing.
When the action concluded, Williams and Stroud met at midfield for a postgame embrace. Stroud offered Chicago's then-first-year QB some wisdom during the interaction, which was caught on camera.
"Good job out there. Stop taking those hits," Stroud said, a reference to the seven sacks Williams took in the loss.
Williams began to walk away, but Stroud pulled him back in the hopes of serving up some additional insight.
"Come here. Learn from those mistakes, and everything that you got, bro, is already in you," Stroud said. "You're gonna be a hell of a player in this league."
The interaction appeared well-intentioned, if slightly awkward given the fact that Stroud is only one month older than Williams. Suffice to say, social media lit up with accusations that Stroud was attempting to "big bro" Williams.
Stroud clarified his comments shortly thereafter, explaining that his remarks came from a place of respect.
#Texans C.J. Stroud emphasized strongly that he was not 'little bro' ing #Bears Caleb Williams whom he has a ton of respect for adding that Williams was just upset that he didn't win the game and is a competitive guy. He wishes him all the success @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/FCtl7YXd22
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 18, 2024
"I was not trying to little bro him or anything," Stroud said. "He knows that, too. I have a ton of respect for him. I had so many guys coming to me after games last year and that meant the world to me that those guys even thought about giving me advice.
"So, I just try to give back to what the game is giving me. So, I wish him the best man. I want him to do amazing in this league. I think he will."
Social media sleuths weren't convinced. Many speculated that Williams was unmoved by the gestured, commenting on his apparent body language and facial expression. Stroud felt that his opposite number was receptive to the tips.
"I don't think he was trying to be any type of way [toward me], he was just upset that they lost," Stroud said. "I totally understand. So I have a ton of respect for that guy, man."
Caleb Williams-C.J. Stroud postgame video
Here's a look at Stroud's comments to Williams following their 2024 duel.
.@CJ7STROUD had some words of encouragement for @CALEBcsw.
— NFL (@NFL) September 17, 2024
"You're gonna be a hell of a player in this league." 🤝 pic.twitter.com/EkGCMOl0ew
What did C.J. Stroud say to Caleb Williams?
Stroud advised Williams to avoid taking sacks. He also recommended that Williams learn from his mistakes as he attempts to reach his potential.
"Learn from those mistakes, and everything that you got, bro, is already in you," Stroud said. "You're gonna be a hell of a player in this league."
C.J. Stroud vs. Caleb Williams stats since meme
Regular season
| C.J. Stroud | Caleb Williams | |
| 29 | GP | 32 |
| 17-12 | Record | 15-17 |
| 88.5 | Rate | 91.2 |
| 562-887 | Comp/Att | 644-1,064 |
| 63.4 | Comp. Pct. | 60.5 |
| 6,274 | Pass Yds | 7,216 |
| 36 | Pass TDs | 47 |
| 20 | INT | 11 |
| 8 | Fumbles | 18 |
| 68 | Sacks | 83 |
Playoffs
Stats updated as of Jan. 17, 2026
| C.J. Stroud | Caleb Williams | |
| 3 | GP | 1 |
| 2-1 | Record | 1-0 |
| 90.7 | Rate | 71.6 |
| 62-93 | Comp/Att | 24-48 |
| 66.7 | Comp. Pct. | 50 |
| 777 | Pass Yds | 361 |
| 2 | Pass TDs | 2 |
| 2 | INT | 2 |
| 7 | Fumbles | 1 |
| 14 | Sacks | 1 |