Bears HBO ‘Hard Knocks’ 2024: Best Fan Tweets, Memes From Episode 1 | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats & Rumors

The rookie quarterback was the star of the first episode, which featured montages of him learning the offense in practices and meetings, as well as the team’s heated reaction when he announced his $25.5 million signing bonus.

But that didn’t stop them from booing him for his poor performance during the rookie talent show.

Williams is a star, but he wasn’t the biggest star to emerge.

Bears defensive back Jonathan Owens is married to Olympic legend Simone Biles, and the team gave him permission to travel to Paris to support her at the Games. The gymnast, who won gold medals in the team competition, individual all-around competition and vault plus a silver on the floor exercise, missed her dogs while she was abroad.

The star status was not limited to Williams and Biles.

Former Alabama head coach Nick Saban, who coached Eberflus at Toledo, toured the team’s facility and spoke with his former player about how best to prepare Williams to meet the team’s lofty expectations. Considering Saban won seven national championships in college, there are worse people to ask for advice on how to maximize young talent.

Eberflus also got some advice from his wife, Kelly, who told him to grow his beard and get a haircut. It was quite a boost for the head coach.

It wouldn’t be an episode of Hard blows without all that off-field footage, Tuesday’s broadcast also featured tight end Cole Kmet throwing out the first pitch at Wrigley Field, team members boating around town, a pool party at Eberflus’s house, a slide during practice and Jaylon Johnson’s small car.

But the most memorable moment was undoubtedly that of debuting offensive lineman Theo Benedet, who hails from Canada and chose to honor the United States by singing God bless the United States for the team.

That wasn’t all, as he also ripped open his pants, revealing a speedo with a picture of an American bald eagle.

It wasn’t all good news for Benedet, who suffered an injury in the Hall of Fame Game against the Houston Texans that was mentioned in the episode. Chicago won 21-17 in a game that was called early due to weather conditions.

Williams did not play, but Brett Rypien shined in the reserve league, completing 11 of 15 for 166 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions. Collin Johnson also finished with two touchdown catches.

But if all goes according to plan for the Bears this season, there will be bigger names than just making plays. The playoffs are the expectation with Williams leading an offense that also features DJ Moore, Kmet, Keenan Allen, Rome Odunze, D’Andre Swift and Gerald Everett, and the team isn’t shying away from that reality.

Not like Hard blows was an indication.