With significant odds going against the Bears, It could be Williams’ moment to finally get his team a win by his own doing and overcoming the mistakes of others. A upset win over the dominant Lions on Thanksgiving would go down in NFL Thanksgiving history as arguably one of the most surprising upsets ever. Furthermore, if Caleb Williams has an elite-level performance against arguably the best defense in the NFL in front of a national audience, it would put to rest any questions on whether or not Chicago made the right decision drafting him first overall.

Imagine a scenario where Caleb Williams throws for 300 yards and multiple touchdowns against the Lions, including a game-winning touchdown pass in the final minute of the contest to lead to a Bears’ win to snap their losing streak. Fans locally will say that the team finally has their franchise quarterback, while nationally, NFL fans and casual observers will remember William’s performance. Having a standout performance on Thanksgiving is heightened so much more because of the amount of people watching who aren’t traditional football fans.

Caleb Williams can easily become a Thanksgiving hero similar to other memorable players

If Williams has a memorable performance on Thursday against the Lions, there is a strong likelihood that he is remembered for years to come and in consistency mention in NFL Thanksgiving history. Given the circumstances leading up to the game, an upset victory by the Bears where Caleb Williams leads a game-winning touchdown drive or has a prolific passing day, it is very easy for the game to go down in Thanksgiving lore as a top moment. There are plays and players who have had a lesser impact from a career standpoint that get remembered solely because of what they did on Thanksgiving, including a former journeyman running back for Chicago.

In 1980, the Bears played the Lions on Thanksgiving, in a game that went to overtime following a Vince Evans touchdown run as time expired to tie the game at 17. In the first ever contest to go to overtime on Thanksgiving, kick returner Dave Williams ended the game as he returned the opening kickoff in overtime for a 95-touchdown to win it for Chicago. Williams played in the NFL for over six seasons and served mostly in a backup running back role, but is one of the first players mentioned when memorable NFL highlight are shown on Thanksgiving.

A legendary player Williams could draw comparisons too if he has an elite-level performance on Thanksgiving is Hall of Fame linebacker Lawerence Taylor, who single-handedly led the New York Giants to victory over the Lions back in 1982. Down 7-0 at halftime, Taylor recorded a quarterback pressure that forced a interception, forced a fumble in Lions’ territory, and had a 97-yard interception return for a touchdown as New York won the game 13-6. Although Caleb Williams is a quarterback and not a linebacker, he has the potential to dominant and take over a game the same way the Giants’ Hall of Fame linebacker did over 42 years ago.

Williams has a chance on Thanksgiving to solidify him as a memorable Bears’ player, especially in just first year in the league and as a promising NFL star if he turns in a standout performance against the Lions. The way he has performed under offensive coordinator Thomas Brown over the past two games gives promise that the rookie quarterback can continue to play at high level against one of the league’s best defenses. A Bears’ win generated by Caleb Williams on Thanksgiving would be something remember for decades because of it happening on the special holiday with the whole country watching.