NFL Star Slams Backlash Over His Tearful Injury Reaction

Patrick McDermott / Getty Images Star NFL player Caleb Williams is reacting to the backlash over his “emotional” reaction to an injury.

The 24-year-old Chicago Bears quarterback was injured in a game against the Minnesota Vikings in Chicago on Sept.

20 and had to be helped off the field.

In the back of the injury cart, Williams shed tears and covered his face with a towel before pumping his fist.

Fans soon criticized him, mocking his “overdramatic” reaction.

He discussed his recovery progress and the criticism he faced at an Oct.

15 press conference .

“It was a hamstring tear and a pretty serious one,” Williams, the 2024 NFL top pick, said Thursday to set the record straight.

“I’m always gonna show emotion, especially when I can’t be out there with the guys, when something like that happens,” he explained.

Williams said he felt a “pop” in his leg before the non-contact injury, a common symptom of a hamstring muscle strain.

“I care about the team, the organization, winning, being out there, my teammates, all of that,” Williams said.

“And that’s the biggest thing.

This is what I love to do.

This is what puts a smile on my face.