During Fox’s preseason coverage of the Bills versus Bears matchup, former New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman found himself stumbling over a simple math calculation while discussing Caleb Williams’ sack numbers analysis. Edelman aimed to emphasize the significant pressure the Chicago quarterback faced in 2024 but faltered while trying to quantify it live on air.
As Edelman attempted to explain how often Williams was sacked behind a shaky offensive line, he visibly struggled with basic subtraction. Asking,
“I’m not a math guy, what’s 2-70?”
Edelman quickly drew a correction from co-host Curt Menefee, who interjected, “I think you mean 70-2?” The confusion led Edelman to respond, “Same thing,” before stating,
“That’s 68, Curt. 68 times he was sacked last year. So, I expect Caleb Williams to go out there and get hit less.”
The Challenge for Former Athletes Transitioning to Analysis
This moment with Edelman highlights the challenges former professional athletes face when transitioning into live TV commentary. Tasked with delivering instant, accurate insights, they sometimes struggle with the fast pace and varied demands of broadcast presentation. Although the math moment created an awkward pause, Edelman’s underlying message was clear: Williams needs to improve his ability to avoid sacks to succeed in the next NFL season.
The incident drew attention both to Edelman’s on-air fluency and the importance of understanding the data that underpins athletic performance commentary. Williams’ 68 sacks in 2024 underline the critical nature of pass protection and decision-making for the Chicago Bears’ young quarterback heading into 2025.
Humanizing Moments in Live Sports Coverage
Edelman’s brief on-air slip also added a relatable and humanizing element to the broadcast. Viewers witnessed a professional struggling with a straightforward calculation but then recovering confidently to make a coherent point. This combination of vulnerability and clarity is a hallmark of live television, strengthening the connection between analyst and audience.
While the exchange quickly became a talking point on social media, it serves as a reminder of the pressures behind live sports commentary. Analysts must be prepared not only with accurate insights but also with the ability to deliver numerical facts smoothly under scrutiny. For Caleb Williams, the spotlight on his sack numbers remains intense, and reducing that figure will be key for his development moving forward.
If Williams can decrease the sacks in the upcoming season, it might even prompt Edelman to acknowledge the quarterback’s progress with a lighthearted math lesson of his own.