Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams dismissed detractors who question his habit of painting his nails, telling a podcast host he gives “no f—s” about their opinions in a sport often seen as masculine.
Williams, 24, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft out of Southern California, made the comments during an appearance on “The Rush Podcast with Maxx Crosby.” In a clip shared widely on social media, Williams said, “It’s just like wearing pink cleats and pink headbands and things like that. It’s just gel on my nails. People feel a certain way about it in a masculant sport. I give no f—s to be honest with you.”
Caleb Williams weighs in on what people think about his painted nails:
“I give no fucks to be honest with you.” pic.twitter.com/dCZaJ8QVF7
— Caleb Williams Fan Club (@CalebFC18) February 17, 2026
The tradition stems from his mother, Dana Price, a nail technician, and began as a way for the two to bond. Williams has continued the practice into his professional career, sometimes using his manicures to convey messages, such as painting “988” — the number for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — on his nails before Chicago’s season opener.
A fan account, @CalebFC18, posted the podcast clip on X Tuesday, garnering more than 416,000 views, 9,600 likes and dozens of replies and quotes.
Reactions on X were divided, with some users praising Williams’ confidence and others questioning the choice. “People making a big deal about nail polish forget that we had Chicago legend who did this in Dennis Rodman- guess what? He helped us win those last 3 peat,” wrote @JustShrootme. User @Kandiheart85 added, “I love his confidence and the haters will hate. He definitely can get any woman that he wants,”alongside a video clip.
Supportive comments highlighted his attitude. “Yeah Caleb fuck what they talm bout we don’t gaf what’s on them nails just bring us that fucking Super Bowl this season,” posted @the_tyshon. @m.o.li #taybeatles said, “My respect grows for this man every day.” In a quote tweet, @notoriousALY wrote, “And that’s why I like him. No fucks given!”
Critics were vocal as well. “I get people like Caleb and all, and I like him too. But it’s never going to be normal that he paints his nails. Gotta get over it. People are always going to talk about it,” commented @Brandon81006757. Another user, @KissThisVixen, replied, “It’s actually nothing like wearing pink cleats or a headband, but you are a grown ass man with one life to live. Do what makes you happy! F everybody else.”
Quote tweets amplified the discussion. “How you should move through life, worrying about what other people think will only make you miserable,” said @MidnightJohn5on. @sinderella275 posted, “that’s my qb!! 😤🐻⬇️.” One outlier, @StingyNed, wrote a bizarre response: “He just gives me a huge boner. I’m straight, but stand up chicago guys like Caleb make me question myself sometimes.”
Just another day on social media.
