Why Chicago Bears' Caleb Williams will still paint nails in NFL

Bears fans are eagerly anticipating the debut of the No. 1 overall pick. The former USC star revealed that he plans to continue his unique tradition.
Aug 17, 2024: Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams warms up before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Soldier Field.
Aug 17, 2024: Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams warms up before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Soldier Field. / Daniel Bartel-USA TODAY Sports

Caleb Williams is comfortable with who he is and has a bold fashion sense.

His man purse caused quite a stir in the first episode of “Hard Knocks,” although many NFL players are now Paris chic. Just ask Cincinnati Bengals franchise QB, who’s backless blazer went viral over the summer.

Another tradition that some fans, talking heads, and even some NFL brass scrutinized him for, especially before the NFL draft, was his tradition of painting his nails.

Caleb Williams
Nov 18, 2023: USC Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams throws during the second quarter against the UCLA Bruins. / Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports

The Heisman Trophy winner has revealed in the past that it’s sort of an homage to his mother, who has been a nail technician for his entire life, and he started doing it his last year of high school.

On the “Pardon My Take” podcast, the Chicago Bears rookie quarterback revealed he’s going to continue the tradition, since many were wondering since he hadn’t shown any fingernail flashiness in the preseason.

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Why is he waiting for the regular season?

“I’ve been doing it for so long now… I’m trying to make sure I can do it for [all the] games because I run out of ideas.”

The Bears QB1 also makes it clear that he’ll keep it clean, even when getting pressed by "Pardon My Take" co-host PFT Commenter to paint things that would rile up rival fan bases like “SMDGB.”

“I’m trying to keep good spirited things on my nails,” says Williams.

The self-aware 22 year old concluded when Big Cat asked if painting his nails motivates him, the rookie, who admitted he does troll fans at times, responded, “It does fire me up… I can use other stuff to fire me up.”

If Williams performs at a high level, he'll have Bears fans more than fired up.

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Matthew Graham
MATTHEW GRAHAM

Matthew Graham has over 20 years of media experience and oversees The Athlete Lifestyle On SI. He has had previous leadership roles at NBC Sports, Yahoo, and USA TODAY, where he co-founded For The Win (named Best Mobile Site by Digiday). He has also written for ESPN, Cosmopolitan, US Weekly, People, E! Online, and FHM, covering major sports and entertainment events like the Oscars, the Golden Globes, NBA Finals, Super Bowl, and winning the Yahoo Superstar Award for coverage of the Olympics.