Bears' Caleb Williams breaks Caitlin Clark's merch sales record

Field Level Media|published: Fri 26th April, 13:07 2024

Apr 25, 2024; Detroit, MI, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams holds up his jersey after being selected by the Chicago Bears as the No. 1 pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft at Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza. credits: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

No. 1 pick Caleb Williams is breaking records before setting foot in Chicago.

The Bears selected the quarterback first in the NFL draft on Thursday night and his merchandise on Fanatics, including jerseys and other apparel, set the record for draft night sales in any sport, according to multiple reports.

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft on April 15, had broken the existing record 10 days earlier when her No. 22 jersey sold out in a matter of hours.

The alternate orange jersey was the only version of Williams' new duds that was still available on Friday morning, and exclusively in size 2XL. His navy jersey was available only in youth sizes.

Williams switched from his jersey number at USC (13) to No. 18 with the Bears, the team announced Thursday night.

Newly acquired wide receiver Keenan Allen, traded to the Bears by the Los Angeles Chargers, is expected to wear No. 13.

Quarterbacks Mike Tomczak and Kyle Orton previously wore No. 18 for the Bears, as did wide receiver Dante Pettis more recently.

—Field Level Media