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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, hit back at criticism over his manicure choice. He also explained the origin of the nail polish and said it raises awareness for causes close to his heart.
While Williams recalled painting his nails for the first time during a trip to the nail salon with his now ex-girlfriend, he also highlighted his mother’s career as a nail technician.
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Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams got his nails sore to raise awareness for 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 the manicure served a dual purpose, that of trolling his opponents.
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“And so I did it and it ended up being three nails, four nails, five, six… and at one point I was doing it because you can’t write stuff on your tape. You can’t do all that,” he said. “So I was doing ‘F— Texas,’ with the horns down symbol…I was like trolling.”
“I like trolling. That’s true,” he said with a laugh, although he added that he had to “be careful now.”
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) throws a pass in the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, September 21, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Even though the 24-year-old has no problem facing criticism, he prefers to react in an “intelligent” way.
“Someone’s gotta check them out, some of these guys. You know, all the analysts and stuff. I’ll check them out. I have no problem.”
Leaving aside the trolling aspect, Williams now chooses models that support meaningful causes.
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) practices before the game at Soldier Field on September 8, 2025. (David Banks/Imagn Images)
“I wrote an issue on mental health and an issue on suicide prevention,” he said of the nail art he’s chosen in the past. “I did breast cancer awareness, it’s like wearing pink cleats and a pink headband.”
“It’s just gel on my nails,” he continued. “People feel that way a certain way in a men’s sport. I don’t care to be honest with you, I don’t care.”
The NFL places restrictions on uniforms on game day. Williams is following the guidelines while continuing to wear nail polish to support her causes.
“I’m going to continue to do it. It’s unique to me,” he said.
