New Report Once Again Says Caleb Williams’ Dad Asked For Ownership Stake In NFL Team

Caleb Williams is widely presumed to be the first overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft based on his exceptional talent, awareness and playmaking ability. But if a new report is any indication, a team could easily be forgiven for passing him up and looking elsewhere because of the off-field situation around him.

The Athletic reported Wednesday on how Williams and those around him are handling the draft process, and it unsurprisingly sounds like a bit of a mess. 

There are a number of interesting revelations about Williams and his time at USC, including an estimate of his NIL earnings from two seasons in LA. According to sources quoted by The Athletic, he earned roughly $10 million from endorsements and sponsorship deals. That level of financial success in college has reportedly led to Williams, and more specifically his father, being more controlling about the draft and contract situation than many other first-year players.

And those questions, or demands, have been increasingly focused on maximizing his earning potential during his first few years in the league. To the point where Carl Williams asked agents about loopholes to avoid rookie contracts, as well as whether it would be possible to receive an ownership stake in his new team.

So far, the answer to both questions has been a resounding no.

Caleb Williams #13 of the USC Trojans reacts against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the first half at Notre Dame Stadium on October 14, 2023 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Caleb Williams' Family Looking To Maximize Earning Potential

One anonymous NFL scout defended Carl Williams to The Athletic, saying he's acting as a responsible business manager, not an overly aggressive representative.

"He knows his kid is really good and he is trying to max every dollar out of his kid that he can," the scout said.  "Not in an exploitative way, but trying to help. He is trying to be more his business manager than his dad."

READ: Caleb Williams Hasn't Hired An Agent And That Tells Us What He Thinks Of His Draft Status

Others explained that because the players' situations coming out of school are different than they were years ago, the requests will be different too. And there's certainly an element of truth to that. But it's hard to justify asking for so much when Williams has yet to throw a pass in the NFL.

He was exceptional at USC, winning the Heisman Trophy and immediately revitalizing the SC football program. But there were clear signs of concern in his second season; Williams seemed to look to make spectacular plays instead of taking more simple open looks. In an attempt to develop more for the NFL game and avoid injuries, he stopped using his speed to scramble out of pressure.

The USC defense was atrocious, yes, but Williams also took steps back in the second half of the 2023 season. And his dad is asking about an ownership stake?

In all major US sports, young, early career players are underpaid for their production. There's an excellent case to be made to fix that. At the same time though, there's an element of risk to someone coming out of college into the NFL game that justifies being paid less than say, Patrick Mahomes.

Williams may be exceptional, but how many generational QB prospects have flamed out quickly once they reach the pros? Maybe Williams will be worth the big asks coming from his camp. But then again, maybe he won't.