“I think it’s smart. Anybody that Tom Brady is the greatest at the position. Greatest to ever play. I’m trying to mimic everything that he’s doing.” These words from T.J. Houshmandzadeh could be the motto for every aspiring NFL quarterback. But Caleb Williams, the Chicago Bears‘ fresh-faced 2024 No. 1 pick, is taking this advice to heart in a way that’s turning heads across the league.

Houshmandzadeh, a former NFL wide receiver, recently spilled the beans on Williams’ new obsession on the podcast SPEAK. “I know Caleb has talked to Alex quite a few times on the phone,” he revealed. “They’ve talked a lot some hours on the phone on just… things you should do, things you should look for.” The Alex in question? None other than Alex Guerrero, Brady’s controversial right-hand man and the brains behind the TB12 empire.

Guerrero’s influence on Brady’s career is legendary, but it hasn’t been without its share of drama. In 2017, Bill Belichick stripped Guerrero of team privileges, banning him from boarding the Patriots‘ team jet and revoking his game-day sideline access. This move highlighted the tension between Brady’s personal training methods and the team’s traditional approach. Brady, however, stood firm, crediting Guerrero as a “huge, huge reason why I’m still playing.”

But Williams isn’t letting a little controversy scare him off. He’s diving headfirst into the TB12 lifestyle, which is about as forgiving as a Chicago winter. The TB12 method is built on 12 different principles, from balance and moderation to promoting anti-inflammatory responses in the body. Caleb Williams has already embraced this mantra.

Providing an in-depth look at his new diet in an interview with ESPN’s Courtney Cronin, Williams said, “No white rice, no white flour, no red sauce, we got a bunch of other things, no sugar. It’s a couple of things in there.” This strict regimen is a clear indication of Williams’ commitment to emulating Brady’s approach to longevity and performance. One, that particularly helped the legend sling touchdowns well into his 40s.

Brady’s diet is notoriously strict, eschewing white sugar, white flour, and dairy. Even his idea of a cheat meal is tame by most standards. As Brady once said, “If I’m craving bacon, I have a piece. Same with pizza. You should never restrict what you really want. We’re humans, here for one life.”

But Williams isn’t just focused only on diet. He understands that a successful NFL career requires a holistic approach. “A big part of it is the diet and working out — and how you work out. And then getting on the field, the mental part and the physical part take over. But the things that I can control, (I’m trying to) control those things, which is my diet,” Williams explained, showing a maturity beyond his years.

Caleb Williams seeking excellence through legendary Tom Brady

The core of the TB12 method revolves around the concept of pliability. Brady calls it “the missing leg of performance training,” emphasizing long, soft muscles over the short, dense ones typically developed through conventional weight training. This focus on flexibility and recovery could be a game-changer for Williams as he prepares for the grueling NFL season.

Hydration is another cornerstone of the TB12 method. Brady reportedly drinks between 12 and 25 glasses of water a day, always infused with electrolytes. He even sells his own electrolyte solution as part of the TB12 brand.

Williams’ dedication to the Brady Way extends beyond just diet and training. He’s also seeking wisdom from the GOAT himself. In the rookie meeting with Brady, the young quarterback received invaluable advice. Brady stressed the importance of maintaining motivation through the ups and downs of an NFL career and emphasized the significance of team dynamics.

“The job is hard, it’s a tough job. It’s tough to go out there and win games. So doing the best you can in the film room, with your diet and all the other things you can control. Go out there and handle those things and it gives your chances of winning games and doing what you want to do; it gives you the best chance,” Brady told Williams.

This advice seems to have resonated deeply with Williams. He’s not just dipping his toe in the NFL waters; he’s cannonballing in, avocado ice cream and all. As a testament to his lofty ambitions, Williams even keeps a personal reminder on his phone — a screensaver that reads “Super Bowl x 8.”

The Bears are betting big on Williams, surrounding him with weapons like D.J. Moore, Keenan Allen, and fellow rookie Rome Odunze. This strong foundation, combined with the TB12 method, could position Williams for a successful rookie season and beyond. As Houshmandzadeh puts it, “If you can find one thing that he told you that works for you. Now you have an advantage.” Will Williams’ dedication to the Tom Brady Way pay off?