Bears' Caleb Williams Embraces Bold Nail Polish, Defies Critics

Quarterback explains the personal meanings and causes behind his manicure choices

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, has embraced wearing bold nail polish in recent years. Williams has faced criticism for his manicure choices, but he has fired back at the critics, explaining that the nail polish raises awareness for causes close to his heart, including mental health, suicide prevention, and breast cancer awareness. Williams also admitted to using the nail polish to troll opponents in the past, though he says he now has to be more careful with that. Despite the criticism, Williams says he will continue to wear nail polish, as it is unique to him.

Why it matters

Williams' use of nail polish in a traditionally masculine sport like football has sparked debate and criticism, but his willingness to use his platform to raise awareness for important causes demonstrates his commitment to using his visibility for positive impact.

The details

Williams first started painting his nails during a visit to the nail salon with his now ex-girlfriend, but he also credits his mother's career as a nail technician as an influence. While he initially used the nail polish to troll opponents, writing messages like "F--- Texas" on his nails, Williams now focuses on designs that support meaningful causes like mental health, suicide prevention, and breast cancer awareness. The NFL imposes uniform restrictions on game day, but 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 ex-girlfriend.

The players

Caleb Williams

The Chicago Bears quarterback who was the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and has embraced wearing bold nail polish in recent years.

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What they’re saying

“I know who I am, 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 (1010wcsi.com)

“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 (1010wcsi.com)

What’s next

Williams will continue to wear his unique nail polish designs during the upcoming NFL season, using his platform to raise awareness for important causes.

The takeaway

Caleb Williams' use of bold nail polish in the NFL has sparked debate, but his willingness to use it to support meaningful causes demonstrates his commitment to using his visibility for positive impact, even in the face of criticism from traditionalists in the sport.