Bears’ Caleb Williams explains meaning of nail polish, says criticism won’t stop him
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Caleb Williams’ signature look continues to stand out.
The Chicago Bears quarterback has embraced bold nail polishes in recent years.
Williams, the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, responded to critics of his manicure choice. She also explained the origin of nail polish and said it raises awareness for causes close to her heart.
While Williams recalled painting her nails for the first time during a visit to the nail salon with her now ex-girlfriend, she also pointed out her mother’s career as a nail technician.
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Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams’ nails were painted to raise awareness for suicide prevention. (David Banks/Image Images)
“One day I was with one of my exes and we were going to the nail salon,” he said during a recent appearance on “The Rush Podcast,” hosted by NFL defensive end Maxx Crosby.
Williams ignored the criticism. “I know who I am,” he said, noting that the manicure serves a dual purpose, including trolling opponents.
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“And so I did it and it ended up becoming three nails, four nails, five, six… and at one point, I was actually doing it because you can’t write things on your tape. You can’t do all that stuff,” he said. “So I was doing ‘F— Texas,’ with the horns symbol down… I was like, trolling.”
“I enjoy trolling. I do,” he said with a laugh, though he said he has to “be careful with that now.”
Bears quarterback Caleb Williams throws a pass against the Dallas Cowboys on Sept. 21, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
While the 24-year-old has no problem dealing with criticism, he prefers to respond “intelligently.”
“Somebody needs to check them out, some of these guys. You know, all the analysts and stuff. I’ll check them out. I don’t have a problem.”
Trolling aside, Williams now chooses designs that support meaningful causes.
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams practices before the game at Soldier Field on Sept. 8, 2025. (David Banks/Image Images)
“I’ve done them a mental health number and a suicide prevention number,” she recited about her nail art choice in the past. “I’ve done breast cancer awareness, it’s like wearing pink shoes and a pink headband.”
“It’s just gel on my nails,” she continued. “People feel something about it in a men’s sport. To be honest, I don’t give a damn, I don’t care at all.”
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The NFL imposes uniform restrictions on game day. Williams stays within the guidelines and continues to wear nail polish to support her causes.
“I’m going to continue doing it. It’s unique to me,” he said.
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Chantz Martin is a sports writer for News Digital.