Bears QB Caleb Williams Embraces Bold Nail Art to Raise Awareness

The first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft uses his manicures to support causes close to his heart and occasionally troll opponents.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams has embraced bold nail polish in recent years, using the manicures to raise awareness for causes like mental health, suicide prevention, and breast cancer. While Williams initially started painting his nails during a visit to the salon with an ex-girlfriend, he now sees it as a way to express himself and support meaningful issues, even if it draws criticism from some. The 24-year-old says he'll continue wearing nail polish, brushing off the naysayers and occasionally using the designs to playfully troll opponents.

Why it matters

Williams' use of nail art in the traditionally masculine sport of football has sparked debate, but the young quarterback sees it as a way to bring attention to important causes. His willingness to embrace a unique personal style despite criticism reflects a growing acceptance of self-expression among professional athletes.

The details

Caleb Williams, the Chicago Bears' first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, has become known for his bold nail art. While he first started painting his nails during an outing with an ex-girlfriend, Williams says his mother's career as a nail technician also influenced his interest. Beyond just self-expression, Williams uses the manicures to support causes close to his heart, including mental health awareness, suicide prevention, and breast cancer. He's also used the nail designs to playfully troll opponents, at one point painting "F--- Texas" and the "horns down" symbol on his nails. While the NFL imposes uniform restrictions on game day, Williams stays within the guidelines while continuing to wear nail polish in support of his causes.

  • Williams first started painting his nails during a visit to the nail salon with his now ex-girlfriend.
  • The Bears quarterback has embraced bold nail art in recent years.

The players

Caleb Williams

The Chicago Bears' quarterback and the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, who has become known for his bold nail art.

Maxx Crosby

An NFL defensive end who hosts "The Rush Podcast", where Williams discussed his use of nail polish.

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What they’re saying

“I know who I am,”

— Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears Quarterback (The Rush Podcast)

“And so I did it and it ended up becoming three nails, four nails, five, six... and at a certain point, I was actually doing it because you can't write stuff on your tape. You can't do all that stuff. So I was doing 'F--- Texas,' with the horns down symbol... I was, like, trolling.”

— Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears Quarterback (The Rush Podcast)

“I've done mental health number on them and suicide prevention number on it. I've done breast cancer awareness, it's just like wearing pink cleats and a pink headband.”

— Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears Quarterback (The Rush Podcast)

What’s next

The NFL will continue to monitor Williams' nail art to ensure it complies with league uniform policies, though the quarterback has vowed to keep expressing himself through his manicures.

The takeaway

Caleb Williams' embrace of bold nail art in the NFL reflects a growing acceptance of self-expression among professional athletes. While his designs have drawn some criticism, the young quarterback uses the manicures to raise awareness for important causes, showing how athletes can leverage their platform for social good.