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Caleb Williams’ signature look continues to stand out.
The Chicago Bears quarterback has embraced bold nail polish in recent years.
Williams, the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, fired back at critics of his manicure choice. He also explained the origins of the nail polish, saying it raises awareness for causes close to his heart.
While Williams recalled painting his nails for the first time during a visit to the nail salon with his now-ex-girlfriend, he also pointed to his mother’s career as a nail technician.
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Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams’ fingernails were tortured to raise awareness of suicide prevention. (David Banks/Imagn 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 dismissed the criticism. “I know who I am,” he said, noting that manicures serve a dual purpose, including trolling opponents.
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“And so I did it and it ended up being three stitches, four stitches, five, six… and at a certain point I actually did it because you can’t write things on your tape. You can’t do all those things,” he said. “So I did the ‘F— Texas’ with the horns down symbol… I was kind of trolling.”
“I enjoy trolling. I do,” he said with a laugh, though he said he has to “be careful about it now.”
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) throws a pass in the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, in Chicago, Illinois (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
While the 24-year-old has no problem confronting critics, he prefers to respond in a “smart” way.
“Someone’s got to check them, some of these guys. You know, all the analysts and stuff. I’m checking them. I don’t have any problems.”
Pushing aside the trolling aspect, Williams now chooses designs that support meaningful purposes.
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) practices before the game at Soldier Field on Sept. 8, 2025. (David Banks/Imagn Images)
“I’ve done mental health number on them and suicide prevention number on it,” he rattled off the nail art he’s previously chosen. “I’ve done breast cancer awareness, it’s like wearing pink cleats and a pink headband.”
“It’s just gel on my nails,” he continued. “People feel a certain way in a masculine sport. I don’t give a f—s to be honest with you, I couldn’t care less.”
The NFL imposes uniform restrictions on game day. Williams stays within the guidelines as he continues to wear nail polish to support his causes.
“I’m going to keep doing it. It’s unique to me,” he said.
