The room was calm, the kind of offseason moment meant for distraction, until the jersey came out of the box.
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams recently received an autographed rival jersey during a collectibles unboxing, a lighthearted moment that quietly echoed the Bears’ season-ending playoff loss earlier this month.
The scene unfolded at Canon Collectibles in Beverly Hills, California, where Williams opened a Fanatics Under Wraps Mystery Box. The product guarantees a signed NFL jersey from a random player. Instead of his own name, Williams pulled out a jersey belonging to Puka Nacua.
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Nacua recorded five receptions for 56 yards against the Chicago Bears in the 2025 NFL Divisional Round, a game Chicago lost to the Los Angeles Rams in overtime. Williams smiled, shook his head, and muttered, “Damn you, Puka.” The reaction was playful, but the context was unmistakable.
“Damn you, Puka…
A playoff loss that still carries weight
The defeat occurred nearly two weeks earlier and brought an abrupt end to one of Chicago’s most encouraging seasons in over a decade. The Rams entered the matchup as clear favorites, but the Bears forced overtime after Williams delivered one of the most dramatic throws of the postseason late in the fourth quarter.
In overtime, Chicago stalled. The Rams capitalized. The Bears’ run ended one drive short of the NFC Championship Game.
According to official NFL game data, the Bears were a single completed pass away from advancing to their first conference title game since 2010. ESPN analysts later described the loss as a “step forward disguised as heartbreak,” noting how sharply it contrasted with recent rebuilding seasons.
Perspective from a young franchise quarterback
Williams’ reaction to the jersey reflected his broader approach this offseason. Competitive, but composed. NFL Network has documented his tendency to exchange jerseys with elite opponents, including Myles Garrett and Davante Adams, framing it as a sign of confidence rather than concession.
Bears head coach Ben Johnson reinforced that mindset during postseason media availability, emphasizing the need for mental recovery after a long year. The organization encouraged Williams to step away briefly, balancing preparation with downtime to prevent burnout, a strategy supported by reporting from The Athletic.
That context explains Williams’ recent public appearances away from football, from attending Chicago Blackhawks games to casual outings like the collectibles stop.
A small joke that reflected a big step forward
For a franchise long defined by missed opportunities, 2025 marked a shift. The Bears exceeded preseason projections, won meaningful January football, and competed on equal footing with an established contender.
The Nacua jersey was ironic, but revealing. Chicago is no longer chasing relevance. It is chasing precision.
Chicago turns the page with momentum
Williams is expected to rejoin team activities later this offseason as the Bears begin preparations for 2026. Much of the core roster remains intact, and league analysts now view Chicago as a stable contender rather than an emerging one.
The loss still lingers. But it now lives alongside belief.
This article is based on verified NFL game statistics, team statements, and reporting from ESPN, NFL Network, and The Athletic. Social reactions were referenced contextually without quoting posts verbatim.
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