USC Quarterback Caleb Williams Named To Allstate AFCA Good Works Team
LOS ANGELES — USC sophomore quarterback Caleb Williams has been named to the 22-player Allstate AFCA Good Works Team for his commitment to community service.
Williams created the Caleb Cares Foundation which dedicates energy and resources to causes like anti-bullying, mental health awareness and youth development. Williams's nickname is "Superman" and this mission of the Caleb Cares Foundation is "to inspire more superheroes to fight bullying so we can all realize that what makes us different is our superpower."
"I created Caleb Cares Foundation for those kids who are suffering because they don't fit in," said Williams. "Fitting in means you're not standing out. Greatness is formed in our differences. What makes you difference today will propel you tomorrow."
Williams and his Caleb Cares Foundation have partnered with USC Trojan Outreach (USC's student-athlete driven community service program) and the Los Angeles Unified School District and are in the process of developing a long-term partnership to establish a culture of support and excellence for students at Audubon Middle School (located near USC's campus) to develop both academic and life skills to transfer into high school and beyond, while also discussing the Caleb Cares mission of anti-bullying. Williams will serve as the lead ambassador and spokesperson for the partnership program.
To kick off the partnership with Audubon Middle School, Williams hosted a Caleb Cares event in conjunction with Trojan Outreach to emphasize his commitment to the community surrounding USC. The event centered around bringing the middle school students to USC's campus where they received a tour of the athletic facilities and met with Williams who opened up about being criticized for painting his nails to express himself and his decision to transfer to USC from Oklahoma.
Williams and his foundation have also partnered with the Ad Council to create a campaign entitled "Seize the Awkward". This PSA campaign challenges the stigmas around mental health and focuses on suicide prevention. Williams wanted to get his fellow USC students involved in the project, and he curated a partnership with the USC Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism who helped to bring a multi-disciplinary approach to scripting, producing and developing a targeted digital promotion strategy around the campaign. The piece has aired nationally during National Suicide Prevention Month in September.
Williams has been an advocate for this cause in the past. During Oklahoma's season opener in 2021 against Tulane, Williams painted his finger nails with the suicide prevention hotline number in order to raise awareness for suicide prevention.
Williams' servant's heart was even displayed in high school when he won the Gatorade District of Columbia Player of the Year award and donated his $11,000 winnings to the Bowie Boys and Girls Club (Bowie, Md.) to help them purchase computers for their new education center. He also volunteered at the Father McKenna Center, a center to help the homeless, where he served meals to the hungry.
On the field, Williams continues to be one of the most exciting quarterbacks in college football. He's led USC to be ranked No. 7 in the AP Poll with a 3-0 start (1-0 in Pac-12 Conference play). He is 64-of-86 for 874 yards at 8 TDs with 0 INTs. He has also rushed for 73 yards on 27 carries with 2 TDs. Williams is currently ranked 4th nationally in completion percentage (0.744), 7th in passing efficiency (190.5), and 10th in points responsible for per game (20.0). He also leads the Pac-12 Conference in each of those categories.