Former USC Trojans quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams has a 1-1 record in his rookie season with the Chicago Bears. After the first two games, Williams was criticized for the expectations that came with being the first overall pick.

Against the Houston Texans in week two, Williams was pressured on nearly every dropback in a 19-13 loss on Sunday Night Football. The Bears defense kept them in the game, but Williams and the offense were held in check by the Texans defense.

After the game, James Odunze, the father of Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze, caused controversy with his social media posts. The rookie’s father posted a video clip on X that showed his son Odunze getting free in the end zone during the game against the Tennessee Titans, but Williams was unable to find his rookie wide receiver.

At first glance, many people assumed James Odunze was criticizing the Bears quarterback for missing a completely open touchdown. However, Rome cleared things up with an explanation of his father’s intentions.

Odunze said: “Fathers have to stand up for their sons. My dad is my first son and he will always cheer me on. Against anyone. But I think more than anything – I can’t speak for everything he does – I know one thing: It wasn’t because he didn’t believe in this team or anyone in this organization. That’s absolutely not the case. He just stands up for me.”

In addition, Odunze’s father posted his own clarification on social media. Apparently, James Odunze had an issue with some comments made by ESPN commentator Dan Orlovsky about his son. Orlovsky, a former NFL quarterback, criticized Odunze because he felt the rookie wide receiver didn’t get enough spacing on his routes.

“These comments have nothing to do with him not believing in this team or anyone on this team,” Odunze said. “He is simply defending his son.”

Although Odunze’s father didn’t try to point out some of Williams’ mistakes, the former USC Trojan is the first to admit he can play better. In the loss to the Texans, Williams threw two interceptions. The Bears’ offense ranks 31st out of 32 teams in passing yards per game.

Despite the difficulties, USC coach Lincoln Riley still believes in his former quarterback. His advice to Williams was to continue to grow and learn from mistakes.

“He’s going to continue to learn and grow, and as painful as some of those difficult moments were earlier in the season, they’re all opportunities to learn and grow,” Riley said. “If he wants to become the player we all know he can be in this league, he’s going to have to learn from it and progress, and I believe he will.”

Williams, Odunze and the Chicago Bears will face the Indianapolis Colts in Week Three on Sunday, September 22 at 10:00 a.m. PT.