Caleb Williams alongside NFL CommissionerRoger GoodellAP
Caleb Williams was taken first overall by the Chicago Bears in the 2024 NFL Draft. While the pick was only made Thursday night, jersey sales for the new star quarterback are already through the roof.
That was made clear by news the former USC player broke the Fanatics record for draft night merchandise sales for any sport, as per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The record breaking sales come just days after Caitlin Clark set the previous mark after being drafted first overall by the Indiana Fever in the 2024 WNBA Draft.
“Chicago’s No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams broke the Fanatics record for draft night merchandise sales for any draft pick in any sport, beating the previous record set last week by Caitlin Clark,” Schefter wrote on X.
Bears fans are hoping Williams carries his success in the NCAA with him to the NFL. The 22-year-old won the Heisman Trophy, Maxwell, Walter Camp and AP College Football Player of the Year Awards in 2022.
After the Bears recently traded away former starting quarterback Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers, it was widely expected they would take Williams and usher in a new era for the franchise.
“My goal is to get into as far as February as I can,” Williams said according to the Associated Press.
Caitlin Clark leaving her mark in the WNBA
As for the previous record holder, Clark, she is quickly emerging as the new face of women’s basketball.
She recently signed an eight-year, $28 million endorsement deal with Nike after being selected by the Fever. Her previous deal with the company expired following the end of her collegiate career, allowing her to negotiate a new deal.
Clark is scheduled to make her WNBA debut against the Dallas Wings on May 3.
