CHICAGO — Caleb Williams came through in his playoff debut, throwing a go-ahead, 25-yard touchdown pass to DJ Moore with 1:43 remaining, and the Chicago Bears rallied from an 18-point deficit to beat the rival Green Bay Packers 31-27 in a wild-card playoff game on Saturday night.
The NFC North champion Bears extended their resurgent first season under coach Ben Johnson with their seventh fourth-quarter comeback victory. They split two down-to-the-wire games with Green Bay in the regular season, and this one turned out to be a thriller when it looked like it would be a breeze for the Packers.
Chicago trailed 21-3 at halftime and 21-6 through three quarters, only to outscore Green Bay 25-6 in the fourth on the way to its first playoff win in 15 years.
Williams found a wide-open Moore along the left sideline to give Chicago a 31-27 lead with 1:43 remaining.
Jordan Love then led Green Bay into Chicago territory. But on third down at the 28, Jaquan Brisker broke up a pass in the end zone as time expired, setting off a wild celebration — and a curt handshake between Johnson and Packers coach Matt LaFleur.
The Bears will host a divisional-round game next weekend.
ROBBIE Williams has revealed the heartbreaking text he received from his actress daughter Teddy at 2am.
Robbie, 51, who shares 13-year-old Teddy with his wife Ayda Field, has opened about his teenager’s torment over the future.
Sign up for the Showbiz newsletter
Thank you!
Robbie Williams has opened up about a heartbreaking text he received from his teenage daughterCredit: BBC Radio 2Robbie is seen here with daughter Teddy and wife Ayda FieldCredit: SplashRobbie revealed that Teddy is anxious about her futureCredit: BBC Radio 2Teddy recently made her acting debut in the film Tinsel TownCredit: Splash
However, now the teen has set her sights on being a singer, just like her dad Robbie.
Teddy’s famous father has had huge success after starting out in boyband Take That, and then going onto sell hundreds of millions of records worldwide as a solo artist.
But Robbie has revealed that his teenage daughter has put tremendous pressure on herself to follow in his footsteps and achieve the same kind of success as a singer.
Opening up to Scott Mills on Radio 2, he talked about Teddy’s dream of becoming famous like him.
“Ted in particular is so desperate for it,” Robbie revealed.
“Now, when I was growing up in Stoke-on Trent, I was also incredibly desperate for it, whatever it was, you know, watching Top Of The Pops on Thursday and thinking, how the hell do I get in that box in the corner of this room and be one of those people?
“But I’ve never seen it so acute as I do with Ted. She sent me a text the other day. And it goes, let me get this.
“It says – this was Thursday, six minutes past two in the morning, ‘Dad, what if I’m not a singer? It’s my biggest fear not to be a singer.’ Biggest capital letters. ‘What if I’m nothing?’”
Robbie then jokingly added: “And I was like, ‘babe, you’re a nepo. You’ll be fine!’”
Turning serious again, the star said: “The only thing that worries me about it is, she’s incredibly sensitive. I am painfully, painfully sensitive.
“In some quarters it would be deemed as being oversensitive. She is worse than me. And I’m worried about what words will do to her.
“For me, it was either this or stacking shelves at ASDA – so this, every single day and for Ted, she’s got options.”
Teddy made her acting debut in Rebel Wilson’s film, Tinsel TownCredit: Sky
A source told The Sun at the time: “Teddy was born to be a star – after all, her parents are both the ultimate performers.
“Robbie and Ayda have been keen to keep her out of the spotlight for as long as possible though – obscuring her face on social media etc – so this is all very much being driven by Teddy who’s wanted to be on stage since she was old enough to talk!
“It’s a small part but obviously is super-exciting, and everyone is really proud of her.
“She’s an absolutely lovely girl on and off screen, and has fitted in seamlessly into on-set life.”
As well as Teddy, Robbie and Ayda are also parents to children Charlton (Charlie), Colette (Coco) and Beau.
The high-profile couple have consciously kept their children away from the public eye for most of their lives.
Loose Women panellist Ayda previously said: “We never show their faces, it’s really important to us.
“We’re really proud and we want to share absolutely everything but there’s a law in this country that means they can’t put pictures up of kids in the papers unless you’re posting their faces.”
Proud parents Robbie and Adya supported her at the premiere of Tinsel TownCredit: PA
Sometimes a reverse is the ideal play. That appears to be the call made by quarterback Demond Williams Jr., who after huddling with family and advisers, announced on Instagram Thursday night that he will remain at Washington in 2026.
His decision to honor an estimated $4.5 million name, image and likeness contract he signed a week ago marks an about-face from the shocking announcement he made Tuesday that he would enter the transfer portal.
“After thoughtful reflection with my family, I am excited to announce that I will continue my football journey at the University of Washington,” he wrote. “I am fully committed and focused on contributing to what we are building.”
His decision to transfer was met with widespread derision from Huskies fans and officials, who made it known the university would enforce Williams’ contract even if it meant taking him to court. The Big Ten backed Washington’s stance.
Williams’ agent, Doug Hendrickson of Wasserman Football, dropped him as a client Thursday, citing “philosophical differences.” Williams hired lawyer Darren Heitner, who apparently determined that his client should return to Washington.
“The past 48 hours have underscored just how complex and challenging the current college athletics environment has become,” Washington athletic director Pat Chun said in a statement. “What has transpired has been difficult for all parties involved and is emblematic of many of the current issues in college sports.
“It is critical in this post-House, revenue-sharing environment that contracts with student-athletes are not only enforced but respected by everyone within the college sports ecosystem.”
Washington, which refused to place Williams in the transfer portal, was prepared to demand that the quarterback pay a large buyout of his NIL contract had he transferred.
Now, though, it seems all is well. Washington coach Jedd Fisch said in a statement that he and Williams “will work together to begin the process of repairing relationships and regaining the trust of the Husky community.
“Demond and I have engaged in very honest and heartfelt conversations about his present and future. We both agree that the University of Washington is the best place for him to continue his academic, athletic, and social development.”
Washington officials suspected that another school contacted Williams after he had signed his Huskies deal, and submitted evidence of tampering to the Big Ten. Tony Petitti, the conference commissioner, happened to be in Seattle on Tuesday for a Celebration of Life service for Washington goalkeeper Mia Hamant, who died on Nov. 6 from a rare form of kidney cancer.
Many Huskies football players and coaches also were in attendance when Williams posted his official announcement about entering the transfer portal on Instagram. In his Instagram post Thursday night, Williams apologized about the poor timing of his initial announcement.
“I never intended to call attention away from such an important moment,” he wrote.
Williams, who will be a junior, is expected to be one of the top handful of college quarterbacks next season. In his first season as a full-time starter, he threw for 3,065 yards and 25 touchdowns and earned honorable mention All-Big Ten honors.
The decision by Washington quarterback Demond Williams Jr. to enter the transfer portal shocked and angered the Huskies because only days earlier the sophomore breakout star had signed a lucrative name, image and likeness deal to remain in Seattle.
Legal action by Washington would be no surprise two weeks after similar events prompted an exchange of lawsuits involving Damon Wilson II, an edge rusher who transferred from Georgia to Missouri in January 2025, days after signing an NIL contract.
With recruiting strategy reduced to shoveling stacks of NIL dollars at players who jump through the transfer portal seemingly at will, it’s no wonder loyalty and etiquette have given way to opportunity and greed.
And it should surprise no one that the implementation of rules might be done by judges, not NCAA officials or conference commissioners.
According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Washington is “prepared to pursue all legal avenues to enforce Williams’ signed contract,” and the quarterback’s situation has also “drawn the attention of the Big Ten.” Already, Washington has declined to enter Williams’ name into the portal, citing language in the NIL contract that states the school is not obligated to do so.
It appears Washington wants to play hardball, much the way Georgia is attempting to do with Wilson, whose countersuit against the Bulldogs claims he was one of several players pressured into signing his NIL contract on Dec. 21, 2024. Georgia is seeking $390,000 in damages, pointing to a liquidated damage fee clause in the NIL contract that may or may not hold up in court.
Washington officials suspect that another school contacted Williams after he had signed his Huskies deal, and submitted evidence of tampering to the Big Ten. Tony Petitti, the conference commissioner, happened to be in Seattle on Tuesday for a Celebration of Life service for Washington goalkeeper Mia Hamant, who died on Nov. 6 from an rare form of kidney cancer.
Many Huskies football players and coaches also were in attendance when Williams posted his official announcement about entering the transfer portal on Instagram.
“To post his decision to enter the portal during the service was, at best, the result of horrible advice from his PR team, and at worst, a stunning lack of self-awareness,” wrote Matt Calkins in the Seattle Times.
Williams’ NIL deal with Washington for 2026 was estimated at $4 million, a reasonable number for a quarterback who was among the top 15 nationally in passing efficiency, passing yards and yards per attempt. He attempted to enter the portal with a “do not contact” tag, an indication he has a destination in mind.
A chronology of top quarterback movement in recent days provides circumstantial evidence that Louisiana State and Williams have mutual interest. LSU, of course, has a new coach in Lane Kiffin, and a need at quarterback. Turns out Williams and Kiffin aren’t strangers.
Kiffin’s first target was Brendan Sorsby, who had left Cincinnati, but he committed to Texas Tech. Sam Leavitt of Arizona State is considered the best quarterback left in the portal, and he visited Baton Rouge this week before heading to Tennessee for another visit.
However, Kiffin easily could shift his attention to Williams, a dual-threat signal-caller who while in high school committed to Ole Miss when Kiffin was coach. He eventually signed with Arizona, and when coach Jedd Fisch took the job at Washington, Williams followed him.
Williams blossomed as a sophomore in 2025, passing for 3,065 yards and 25 touchdowns with eight interceptions while adding 611 yards and six touchdowns on the ground.
In his lengthy Instagram post, Williams thanked everyone associated with Washington before revealing the news: “I have to do what is best for me and my future. After much thought and prayer, I will be entering the transfer portal.”
United States tennis legend Venus Williams returns to the Australian Open for the first time since 2021.
Published On 2 Jan 20262 Jan 2026
Share
Seven-time major singles champion Venus Williams has been handed a wildcard to the Australian Open aged 45, becoming the oldest woman to play at the season-opening tennis Grand Slam.
The American, who has played only a limited number of singles matches in recent years, will compete in the main draw at Melbourne Park for the first time since 2021.
Recommended Stories
list of 4 itemsend of list
“I’m excited to be back in Australia and looking forward to competing during the Australian summer,” Williams said on Friday.
“I’ve had so many incredible memories there and I’m grateful for the opportunity to return to a place that has meant so much to my career.”
Williams is a five-time Wimbledon champion and also won two US Opens.
She was an Australian Open singles finalist in 2003 and 2017.
She will become the oldest woman to play at the Australian Open since Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was 44 when she lost in the first round in 2015.
Williams, a four-time Australian Open doubles champion, is set to begin her preparations for the January 18-February 1 tournament at the Auckland Classic next week, having returned to the circuit at the US Open last year after a 16-month break.
She will then head to the Hobart International immediately before Melbourne.
Two-time Grand Slam champion and fellow American Coco Gauff said it was “incredible” to see Williams still turning up for tournaments.
“She’s a legend of the sport, so it will be cool to see her back in action,” she said.
“It’s incredible the longevity of her career. She’s one of the people I looked up to, so looking forward to seeing her back on court.”
Venus Williams is set to become the oldest female player to compete in the Australian Open main draw at the age of 45.
The seven-time Grand Slam champion has received the final women’s wildcard for the tournament, which begins on 18 January.
Williams last appeared at Melbourne Park in 2021 when she was beaten by Italy’s Sara Errani in the second round.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to return to a place that has meant so much to my career,” she said.
The American, twice a runner-up in the first Grand Slam event of the year, will surpass the record of Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was 44 when she played at the event in 2015.
YouTube personality Adam the Woo, known for his videos about his travels and exploring theme parks and other pop culture destinations, has died.
The content creator, whose full name was David Adam Williams, was found dead Monday in his home in Celebration, Fla., the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to The Times. He was 51.
Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call at Williams’ home at 2:53 p.m. Monday after a “friend had borrowed a ladder and looked in the 3rd story window to see a male on a bed that was not moving,” a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office said in a statement. “Upon entering the residence with Fire Rescue, the male was reported deceased.”
According to the statement, deputies had also been dispatched to the home earlier that afternoon for a well-being check where “[t]he residence was secured, [but] no contact was made with the adult male residing there.”
Adam the Woo described himself on his YouTube channel as “[a]n 80s pop culture nerd with a desire to travel and video what I see.” He posted more than 4,000 videos about his adventures at Disney and Universal theme parks, pop culture conventions, movie filming locations, abandoned cities and more across his two YouTube channels, which combined had more than 1 million subscribers.
The vlogger had shared a look at his Christmas decorations as well as the holiday festivities in his community in the latest video posted to his the Daily Woo channel on Sunday. As news of his death circulated on Tuesday, Adam the Woo’s fans shared tributes in the comments of his videos.
“I hope his friends and Family look back at all his videos and tell themselves he lived a life he dreamed of living,” one fan posted on his latest video. “He saw the world. He had so many friends and fans and was so loved.”
“It never felt like you were watching him. It always felt like you were there with him,” posted another. “We will forever be grateful for the journeys you took us on, Adam.”
Williams was last seen on Sunday “by the friend that looked into his window,” the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson said. The investigation is ongoing and the medical examiner will conduct an autopsy to determine the cause of death.
Williams was selected for this summer’s British and Irish Lions tour, but having impressed in a pre-tour warm-up match against Argentina, he was forced to return home after suffering a hamstring injury in the first game on Australian soil against Western Force, having scored two tries.
“Tomos Williams will depart Gloucester Rugby at the end of the 2025-26 season,” a statement on 16 December had said.
“After impressing at Kingsholm, Williams was offered a new deal to stay at the club beyond the end of the season, but has instead opted to pursue a new challenge elsewhere.
“The Welshman will depart with the best wishes of everyone at the club when the time comes, but in the meantime, is entirely dedicated to ending his time at Gloucester Rugby on a high.”
Gloucester also announced at the same time that former academy graduate Dan Robson, 33, is to return to Kingsholm next season, 10 years on from his departure in 2015.
The scrum-half previously made 80 appearances for Gloucester, where he started his senior career, before leaving for Wasps and spent seven years there until their demise in 2022. He has been with French Top 14 club Pau for the last three seasons.
Tennis legend Venus Williams wed Danish model and actor Andrea Preti over the weekend in Florida, the new bride announced in a shared post.
An Instagram post from Vogue Magazine’s Weddings section announced the nuptials, with the message garnering more than 30,000 likes as of Tuesday afternoon.
“We all love each other so much,” Williams, 45, said in the Vogue post. “It was just the happiest, most beautiful, sweetest day.”
The post was scant on details other than the event took place over five days in and around the couple’s home in Palm Beach Gardens.
An email for comment to representatives for Williams and Preti, 37, was not immediately returned.
The couple met at 2024 Milan Fashion Week and began texting shortly after, according to Vogue.
The couple eventually became engaged on Jan. 31 in Tuscany, according to Vogue. That detail was confirmed in July during what was a historic month for Williams.
The Compton native defeated 23-year-old Peyton Sterns 6-3, 6-4 in the first round action of the D.C. Open after a 16-month hiatus from singles matches.
In victory, Williams became the second-oldest woman to win a tour-level singles match, trailing only fellow legend Martina Navratilova, who was 47 when she won in 2004.
“Yes, my fiance is here, and he really encouraged me to keep playing,” Williams told the Tennis Channel’s Rennae Stubbs in a post-match interview. “There were so many times where I just wanted to coast and kind of chill. … He encouraged me to get through this, and it’s wonderful [for him] to be here. He’s never seen me play.”
This is the moment Robbie Williams made a 94-year-old fan’s wish come true.
Norma, a resident of Humberston Care Home in North East Lincolnshire, told staff she had followed the singer from when he was in Take That and had always wanted to see him.
The home organised for her to see a Robbie Williams tribute act and then went one step further by organising for her to speak to the singer, who admitted he was urged to call her by his daughter, who had seen Norma’s story online.
Norma said: “I was absolutely amazed. I really was surprised.
“Nothing like this has happened to me before.
“He was in America, laid out on the bed. I nearly said to him you could have got done up for me!”
The moment was organised by Bailey Greetham, who holds fitness and wellbeing sessions with residents, and films videos on behalf of the home.
He added: “She said I was off to a Robbie Williams tribute but I am a little bit upset because it’s not the real Robbie.
“I had the camera with me so I said let’s film something and we put it on the internet and it got a million views and Robbie was tagged 5,000 times.”
MAISIE Williams stripped down to nothing in a new post this week as she shared snaps of her bare body while skinny dipping with pals.
The Game Of Thrones star, 28, can be seen walking into the sea fully nude in a video clip taken from behind during a trip to Sardinia, Italy.
Sign up for the Showbiz newsletter
Thank you!
Maisie Williams has shared an insight into her Italian holiday this week, which included skinny dipping in the seaCredit: instagramShe was joined by a group of friends as they frolicked in the water completely nudeCredit: instagramMaisie is most famous for portraying Arya Stark in Game Of ThronesCredit: HBO
Joined by a group of friends, the trio all posed naked for pictures in the stunning blue sea before jumping off a nearby cliff into the water.
A far cry from Winterfell, and the crisp UK weather, Maisie shared a slew of pictures of the beautiful Italian surroundings.
She captioned the post: “Summer is so over but life is still happening in a big way x”
In the comment section, fans were quick to leave plenty of Game Of Thrones references.
The author shared a post earlier this year which detailed how he met up with Maisie over the summer.
He said: “We also got together with Maisie Williams for pizza and pasta, and talked about… well, no, better not get into that, do not want to jinx it. But it could be so much fun.”
Maisie is yet to speak out on any potential collabs with her former colleagues.
The six-parter is based on guitarist Steve Jones’ 2018 memoir, Lonely Boy: Tales from a Sex Pistol.
She took in the stunning views and sunshine of SardiniaCredit: instagram/@maisie_williamsMaisie and her friends took a slew of cheeky pictures from the stripped-off beach dayCredit: instagramMaisie is skipping out on the UK cold to explore the views abroadCredit: instagram/@maisie_williams