• Loading stock data...
Friday, July 11, 2025

Roger Goodell Bravely Fights Through Back Surgery to Hug No. 1 Pick Caleb Williams

  • The Bears made one of the worst-kept secrets in sports official Thursday night.
  • Goodell’s recent back surgery called into question his ability to hug draft picks.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

NFL players exhibit nearly superhuman strength and bravery—and more than a little disregard for their own safety—to suit up every Sunday with serious injuries from head to toe.

Roger Goodell is really no different than any of them.

He dapped up and then hugged Caleb Williams on Thursday night after the Chicago Bears selected the Southern Cal phenom with the No. 1 pick, putting to rest any doubts about his ability to perform in pain.

ESPN insider Adam Schefter had reported earlier in the day that Goodell’s availability to hug was in serious doubt due to recent back surgery. It was a classic Schefterian injury scoop on game day.

“Goodell underwent back surgery three weeks ago, has recovered well, but it remains uncertain whether he will be able to offer his patented draft-day hugs,” Schefter wrote on Thursday. “Draft-time decision.”

No coach could keep Goodell on the sidelines.

Goodell confirmed the swirling rumors shortly before kickoff on Thursday night.

“I had it in time to hopefully heal up,” Goodell said of his surgery on the ESPN broadcast half an hour before the Bears were on the clock. Goodell winked at the annual routine of fans booing him in any city in a brief, stilted intro video with rapper and Detroit native Eminem, who told him “You know you’re still going to get booed, right?“

As the No. 1 pick, Williams is slotted to receive a four-year deal worth $38.5 million, plus a fifth-year team option. Williams made the somewhat unusual choice of not hiring an agent before the draft.

The Bears’ selection of Williams cements Chicago going all-in on the 2022 Heisman winner. They had traded away Justin Fields to the Steelers last month, telegraphing weeks out that they knew they wanted Williams with the top pick. 

Williams became a sensation in his first season at Southern Cal in ‘22, throwing for 45 touchdowns and over 4,500 yards in an 11-win campaign that drew comparisons to Patrick Mahomes’ ability to improvise and throw off-platform. A rockier second season with the Trojans ultimately didn’t deter the Bears from putting him in position to get the coveted Goodell squeeze.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

NFL

30 NFL Second-Rounders Still Unsigned With Camps Set to Open

Saturday is the earliest rookie report date for training camp.
Alex Rodriguez

Finally in Charge, A-Rod Says Timberwolves Need New Arena

Rodriguez and Lore would like to repair team relations with Kevin Garnett.
Cobh Ramblers
exclusive

Ireland’s Ramblers Latest Soccer Club to Gain U.S. Owner

The Ramblers play in the League of Ireland First Division.

Featured Today

Rimouski, QC - JUNE 1: Final Game of the 2025 Memorial Cup between the Medicine Hats Tigers and the London Knights on June 1, 2025, at the Colisée Financière Sun Life in Rimouski, Qc.

CHL Is Facing a ‘Pandora’s Box’ of Questions Amid NCAA Talent Departure

As players defect to college, the Canadian Hockey League won’t cede ground.
Jun 28, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) bats during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Seattle Mariners at Globe Life Field.
July 9, 2025

The Torpedo Bat Business Is Still Going Strong: ‘Here to Stay’

Demand for the oddly shaped bats has stayed strong across the sport.
July 6, 2025

American Celebs Want to Be Sports Owners. Soccer Is Where They Start

As U.S. team prices climb, investors set their sights abroad.
July 5, 2025

Baseball’s Celebrity Row: Behind MLB’s First-Pitch Ritual

Often planned, sometimes spontaneous, the ritual throw is baseball’s celebrity row.

Najee Harris Contract Situation Unclear Following Fireworks Injury

The running back signed a one-year, $5.25 million contract with the Chargers in March.
Apr 9, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Katie Taylor (left) and Amanda Serrano (right) pose in front of Jake Paul during a press conference ahead of their boxing match at Madison Square Garden.
July 11, 2025

Serrano vs. Taylor 3 Set to Be Biggest Women’s Boxing Match in..

“I’m just sick of the whining and complaining from your team.”
Sinner
July 11, 2025

ESPN Gets Dream Alcaraz-Sinner Rematch in Wimbledon Final

The pair have won the last six men’s majors.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
Jul 10, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) dunks against the Los Angeles Lakers in the first quarter of their game at Thomas & Mack Center.
July 11, 2025

Cooper Flagg Makes Mavericks, New Balance Debut in Win Over Bronny

Thursday marked Flagg’s first game donning New Balance shoes.
July 10, 2025

Jalen Williams Signs Max Deal As Thunder Commit $822M to 3 Stars

Oklahoma City also extended Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren.
Hall of Fame Open at the International Tennis Hall of Fame, Newport.
July 10, 2025

Andy Roddick Slams Billionaire Bill Ackman’s Pro Tennis Gambit

“This was the biggest joke I’ve ever watched in professional tennis.”
July 10, 2025

Suns All In on Booker, Who Signs Record Extension Amidst Chaos

The Suns changed their head coach for the fourth time in four years.