Legend Troy Aikman Called Out for QB Caleb Williams Hate Ahead of Bears-Rams Showdown

Chicago, Illinois – January 19, 2026

As the Chicago Bears prepare for their most consequential game in years against the Los Angeles Rams, the spotlight has shifted off the field — and directly onto the broadcast booth.

Veteran ESPN analyst Troy Aikman is facing mounting criticism from fans and media alike for what many are calling a pattern of unfair and personal criticism toward Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, just days before the Divisional Round showdown at Soldier Field.

The controversy reignited this week after a viral comparison circulated on social media, contrasting Aikman’s commentary on Williams earlier this season with his remarks about Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud during a recent playoff broadcast. The side-by-side clips struck a nerve.

When Williams made an off-script, improvised play during a Monday Night Football broadcast, Aikman was blunt.

“You just can’t do that in this league,” he said at the time.

Yet, when Stroud threw four interceptions in a playoff loss to New England, Aikman offered a notably softer assessment, suggesting Stroud was “clearly hurt.” The contrast fueled accusations of double standards — and in Chicago, the reaction was swift.

“This isn’t analysis anymore,” one longtime Bears analyst said. “It feels personal.”

According to sources close to ESPN, the tension between Aikman and Williams dates back to early in the season. During a podcast appearance, Aikman’s broadcast partner Joe Buck acknowledged frustration within the broadcast crew after Williams missed multiple pregame production meetings — a breach of routine that reportedly left Aikman irritated.

Still, critics argue that whatever happened behind the scenes should not bleed into on-air commentary, especially when directed at a rookie quarterback navigating his first NFL postseason.

Williams, for his part, has refused to escalate the situation. Asked earlier this season about Aikman’s remarks, the Bears quarterback responded with calm maturity.

“Life isn’t fair,” Williams said. “People are going to say what they’re going to say. We just focus on winning.”

That focus has defined his season. Williams led Chicago to six fourth-quarter comeback wins in the regular season, then authored a stunning 18-point comeback against Green Bay in the Wild Card round — the Bears’ first playoff victory in 15 years.

Now, with the Rams coming to town and a trip to the NFC Championship on the line, the debate surrounding Aikman has only intensified. Bears fans see a familiar pattern: a young quarterback being scrutinized more harshly than his peers. Others defend Aikman as simply holding players to a higher standard.

But timing matters. And with emotions already running high in Chicago, the noise surrounding Aikman’s commentary has added another layer of tension to an already charged matchup.

On Sunday night, Caleb Williams will have a chance to answer every critic the only way that truly counts — under the lights, with the season on the line.