Caleb Williams' 'Madden NFL 27' cover inspired by Michael Jordan - ESPN

CHICAGO — Caleb Williams wanted to pay homage to one of the greatest athletes of all time when the Bears quarterback was selected for the cover of «Madden NFL 27.»

While EA Sports wanted one of two covers to feature Williams' jump pass, which is most remembered from his fourth-down throw in the Bears' come-from-behind win over the Packers in the 2025 wild-card round, Williams wanted to add the Chicago skyline behind him as a tribute to Michael Jordan.

The original 1985 Air Jordan campaign poster captured Jordan midair in his signature Jumpman post with the sun setting over the skyscrapers in the background. Jordan won six championships with the Bulls in the 1991-98 span.

Williams hopes one day to do the same for the Bears.

«That's the position I want to be in, but I also wanted to pay respect to MJ,» Williams said Thursday evening at the EA Sports season-opening event at Chicago's Navy Pier. «It was more of a respect thing. Bringing retro back, not letting people forget that and doing it on my side of the world of football. Paying respect to that and him and what he was able to do in Chicago. Just honestly wanted to bring that energy, that vibe back.»

Williams said a meeting between himself and Jordan is «in the works» as the two have been attempting to sync up their schedules to meet for the first time.

The 24-year-old quarterback made history as the first Bears player to earn the Madden NFL cover, a milestone he classified as «another steppingstone» in his journey toward achieving big goals.

«It's another thing to tell me to keep going and keep striving for these goals that a lot of people say I won't be able to do,» Williams said. «A lot of people frown upon me or this and that. All that doesn't matter; only matters