Bears star Caleb Williams admits Michael Jordan influence on his Madden NFL 27 cover

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Caleb Williams has admitted the Chicago inspiration behind his Madden NFL 27 cover, revealing the image was designed as a tribute to Michael Jordan.

EA Sports named Williams as the cover athlete on June 3, making him the first Chicago Bears player to be featured in that role.

Fans quickly noticed the similarities between Williams’ jump-pass pose and Jordan’s iconic imagery, while the Chicago skyline in the background added to the buzz around the cover’s local meaning.

Caleb Williams Madden NFL 27 cover honors Michael Jordan

In a video shared by CHGO Bears, Williams explained that the similarities were intentional.

“That was the position I wanted to be in, but I also wanted to pay respect to MJ. That was more of what it was. It was a form of respecting, 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 MJ did in Chicago, just honestly wanted to bring that energy, that vibe back, and we’re on the track to do that, we gotta keep winning games.”

That final point is key. Williams was not just copying a pose, he was acknowledging the standard Jordan set in Chicago.

It is a bold move for a young quarterback, but it fits the way Williams has embraced the city since being drafted first overall in 2024.

Bears quarterback turns Madden honor into Chicago moment

The Madden cover adds another milestone to Williams’ rapid rise. He joins a list of cover athletes that includes Tom Brady, Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, Ray Lewis and Drew Brees.

For the Bears, it marks a first. No player from the franchise had ever appeared on the game’s cover before.

Williams’ play on the field helped justify the selection. He led Chicago to an NFC North title last season, ending a four-year playoff drought.

He threw for 3,942 yards and 27 touchdowns, giving the Bears the kind of quarterback play they had been missing for years.

That is why the Jordan influence matters. Williams is not claiming Jordan’s legacy, but he is clearly trying to tap into the same belief that greatness can define an era in Chicago.