Rapper Lil Wayne issued an apology to Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams on the social media platform X after criticizing the player’s painted nails in a heated post following Green Bay’s playoff loss to Chicago.
Lil Wayne, a longtime Packers fan, vented frustration after the Bears’ comeback win in the NFC wild-card round on Jan. 10, 2026. In a now-viral post, he wrote:
“We just loss a playoff game to a n*gga w purple nails we fkn suk bear azz! Bare ass!!! We don’t deserve to be in the playoffs. Straight like that.”
Williams, 24, who has openly discussed painting his nails as a tribute to his mother’s nail salon business, responded with a quote post featuring two emojis — a snowflake and a male superhero — along with the hashtag #DABEARS. The reply was interpreted by many as a cool, confident clapback, emphasizing Williams’ unflappable demeanor.
Three days later, on Jan. 14, Lil Wayne, 43, followed up with a reconciliatory message directly addressing Williams. “Ay Caleb don’t mind me bruh I’m just a cheesehead 4life & u just a killa & ya kilt us bad each time & 4 dat u get da praise gesture from me! 🙌🏾 I luh da game & it’d b impossible 2make dat statement without acknowledging & admiring yo game king! U a beast but ya still a bear. 🧀,” he posted.
The exchange drew widespread attention on X, with users weighing in on everything from the hypocrisy of Lil Wayne’s past fashion choices to praise for Williams’ poise.
Weez it’s all love. #BearDown tho https://t.co/5fpdIfL8Ub
— Caleb Williams (@CALEBcsw) January 14, 2026
Some highlighted Lil Wayne’s own history with painted nails and unconventional style. “Lil Wayne acting like he didn’t have his own tumblr hipster skater boi phase,” wrote user @Popsodaa in a Reddit thread that spilled over to X discussions. Another user, @randysavage773, added, “Wayne talking shit about Caleb’s nails is crazy when Wayne used to wear women’s leggings and skirts.”
Others focused on the irony of Lil Wayne’s past relationship with mentor Birdman. “Do he not remember kissing Birdman on the lips and calling him daddy?” posted @Fredest_Dickler. User @slimkruddy quipped, “They too busy smoochin,” with an accompanying image.
Support for Williams was strong among Bears fans.
“TALK YOUR SH*T 18. YOU OWN THOSE WISCONSIN LOSERS,” exclaimed @downbadbears. @captaincaleb18 shared a video clip, captioning it, “He a fan goat.”
Critics of the initial diss emphasized broader themes. “Grow ass men getting triggered by purple nails,” said @buckfutten. User @Poopiepants29 noted, “I was just telling my wife how it’s funny how people expose themselves shit talking Caleb for his nails, the guy whose foundation is all dedicated to anti-bullying.”
Williams, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, threw for 361 yards and two touchdowns in the victory, helping the Bears advance. He has averaged 245.3 passing yards per game this season.
