Why Caleb Williams is using a sneaky Tony Parker stat as guide for Super Bowl success

The Chicago Bears have huge expectations for Caleb Williams ahead of the 2026 season. Chicago made great progress in 2025, nearly making the NFC Championship. Perhaps the Bears can get a few steps further in 2026 if Williams can up his game as a leader of men.

Williams made a surprising reference to one obscure stats about Spurs star point guard Tony Parker during a recent interview. He is taking inspiration from Parker as he attempts to win a Super Bowl in Chicago.

“There was this stat of like they go around and they slap hands more than anybody,” Williams said in Nashville on Aug. 27, per Adam Jahns of CHGO. “And it’s those small things, those small connections, those small moments that build up. And when it comes down to it, those big moments – something from those moments (of) slapping hands and going down and celebrating with your teammates – they show up late in games, late in the year, and things like that. And so, it’s important. It’s really important to me and us.”

Williams is citing a famous UC Berkeley study of NBA teams from 2010. The study analyzed how much teams high-fived, fist-bumped, or generally celebrated together. It found that the more times that happened, the more successful they were.

That tactic certainly worked out well for Parker, as he led the Spurs to four NBA championships during his time in San Antonio. Caleb clearly wants to recreate that sense of camaraderie with the Bears.

The superstar quarterback also shared some examples of sports figures who have influenced his burgeoning leadership skills.

“Tony Parker, Derek Jeter, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan,” Williams added. “I think Steph (Curry) is one of those guys. And I’ve got guys here. One, I’ve got Coach (Johnson). He’s been tremendous for me. And then two, I’ve got Case Keenum.”

It will be fascinating to see how Williams looks during his third NFL season later this fall.

The Bears begin the regular season with a road game against the Panthers. That contest kicks off at 1PM ET on September 13th.

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