Heisman Winner Caleb Williams '21 Returns to Gonzaga

On Friday, May 19, Gonzaga's Booster Club and students hosted a pep rally to welcome back to campus 2022 Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams '21, who was in town to promote his Caleb Cares Foundation.

During the fun, Head Football Coach Randy Trivers had Caleb re-enact the Hail Mary pass that clinched the 2018 WCAC Championship win over DeMatha -- including a surprise visit from Caleb's teammate John Marshall '19, who caught the game-winner in 2018 and went on to play for the Naval Academy.

Father Lingan surprised Caleb by retiring his football jersey, number 18, which now hangs in the Carmody Center alongside the two other numbers that the school has retired: Number 11 (Hockey) in honor of Dominik Pettey ‘15 and Number 33 (Basketball) in honor of Tom Sluby ‘80.

In addition to chants of "We love Caleb!" the students enjoyed watching a highlight reel of some of Caleb's greatest moments on the field. Below are some photos from the day. You can also click here to read a Washington Post article about Caleb's return to Eye Street.

Later that evening, Caleb was on campus again to host an event to celebrate his foundation. Called Caleb Cares, it is dedicated to decreasing bullying and increasing mental health awareness.

"Many of us followed Caleb’s season last year and watched with excitement when he won the Heisman Trophy," Father Lingan said to the crowd gathered for the event. "We were then – and remain today – proud of Caleb’s leadership, his charitable nature, and his gracious and humble character. Tonight is a special night for Caleb as he celebrates the east coast launch of the Caleb Cares Foundation. It’s a special night for Gonzaga as well, as we witness one of our own graduates living out so well the Jesuit motto taught here, which is to be a Man for and with Others."

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