Caleb Williams’ one-word reaction to NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal’s statement

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Caleb Williams’ one-word reaction to NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal’s statement

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated May 25, 2026 7:47 PM ET

Caleb Williams openly praises his fellow athletes from different sports. He has forged a strong bond with Bulls forward Matas Buzelis and recently dined with him and Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong. The Chicago Bears quarterback also admires Shaquille O’Neal.

Fans and analysts widely consider the NBA legend one of the most dominant players in league history. He made a lot of noise in college, and the Orlando Magic drafted him at No. 1 in 1992. The 7-foot-1 center took the NBA by storm with his power and inside presence.

O’Neal retired in 2011. His accolades include winning four NBA championships, one MVP award, three Finals MVP awards and being selected as an All-Star 15 times. He currently serves as a studio analyst for “Inside The NBA.”

Shaquille O’Neal arrives on the red carpet before the Emirates NBA Cup semifinal game. M

Caleb Williams reacts to Shaquille O’Neal’s comment about Lakers three-peat

On Saturday, Williams posted O’Neal’s statement about the Los Angeles Lakers’ three-peat from 2000-2002. He quoted the LSU product highlighting that his Lakers won the titles by not going the distance in the NBA Finals. The 2022 Heisman Trophy winner added a one-word reaction to it.

“When Shaq said ‘it never went to game 7, that’s how great I was!’ Cold,” Williams posted on X.

When Shaq said “it never went to game 7, that’s how great I was!”
Cold

— Caleb Williams (@CALEBcsw) May 23, 2026

O’Neal showcased his dominance during the three-peat run. He and Los Angeles won 4-2 over the Indiana Pacers, 4-1 against the Philadelphia 76ers and 4-0 versus the New Jersey Nets. The center secured his fourth ring in 2006 with the Miami Heat in six games.

Meanwhile, Williams is entering his third NFL season. He demonstrated in 2025 that he is capable of leading the Bears to success by guiding them to the Divisional Round. The 24-year-old proved his critics wrong by completing 377-of-658 passes for 4,560 yards, 32 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 19 games.

It remains to be seen if O’Neal’s statement will motivate Williams to replicate his success. The path next season will be hard, but he and his teammates are ready to compete for a Super Bowl.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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