The Minnesota Vikings are scheduled to play the Chicago Bears in Week 12 at Soldier Field and again in Week 15 at U.S. Bank Stadium. It will be some time before former college teammates Mekhi Blackmon and Caleb Williams face each other on the field.
Blackmon and Williams played together at USC during the 2022 season.
The Vikings drafted Blackmon in the third round of the 2023 draft with the 102nd pick, while the Bears picked Williams first overall in this year’s draft.
Williams had a mixed day during practice, which led to a satirical report falsely claiming he was benched for throwing seven interceptions in one session.
“Damn 7 ? OMG,” Blackmon posted on X on May 24, making Williams laugh. “#ImTrollingGuys”
😂😂
— Caleb Williams (@CALEBcsw) May 24, 2024
Chicago is implementing a new offensive scheme after hiring Shane Waldron as their offensive coordinator this offseason. Waldron, who hails from the Sean McVay branch of the renowned Shanahan coaching tree, previously worked with Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell on the Los Angeles Rams in 2020.
Meanwhile, Blackmon has been enjoying the fact that Williams, his former college teammate, is now a division rival.
Vikings’ Mekhi Blackmon Warns Bears’ Caleb Williams
“I want you to know we’re cool and all right now, but once your name gets called and IF it’s not MN, you won’t be able to join my PlayStation party,” Blackmon jokingly told Williams on X on April 13.
Williams responded by telling his former teammate not to contact him for any “Call of Duty” matches. Despite the playful banter, there will be extra motivation when they eventually compete on the field this season.
Blackmon, however, will need to earn his playing time. While Williams has been named the Bears’ starter by Head Coach Matt Eberflus, Blackmon played just 43% of the Vikings’ defensive snaps last season, according to Pro Football Reference.
Blackmon also faces competition from veteran Shaquill Barrett and rookie Khyree Jackson, who made a bold promise about his potential during a draft-night call with General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. Additionally, incumbent young players Akayleb Evans (who played 85% of snaps) and Andrew Booth are also in the mix.
This intense competition could benefit the Vikings but might make it challenging for Blackmon to showcase his talents against his former college teammate this season.
However, the team’s depth varies by position, which has led to a notable development.
