Your nails will speak volumes before you say a word. Just ask NFL quarterback Caleb Williams. He has some of the most valuable hands in the business and they are often on camera. Since his USC days, Williams has turned his manicures into opportunities for both self-expression and communication, even if it’s trash talk. When he steps onto the field, Caleb Williams' nails have both artistry and attitude!
This football pro’s fearless approach to nail art isn't about looking good. He’s taken a lot of heat over his painted fingertips. But he owns his style and he’s putting out his message to the world. Consequently, his example has inspired others to do the same.
Maybe you've hesitated to try that new length or wondered if a certain color is "too much". Williams shows us that the perfect nail design is the one that gets your ideas across and makes you feel unstoppable!
Make a Statement Like Caleb Williams with Fearless Nail Art
NFL Debut Nails
In September 2024, Sporting News revealed Caleb Williams with a fresh look for his NFL debut with the Chicago Bears. His orange nails had navy blue writing that states "#18 DA BEARS”. It must have been a lucky look because the Bears won against the Tennessee Titans 24 to 17.
OPI Nail Lacquer - F81 Living On the Bula-vard! - 0.5oz
Why Does Caleb Williams Do His Nails?
Williams isn’t the first quarterback to get manicures before games. Nail health is crucial for a job that requires skillful hands. Plus, with the rise of ultra-high definition TV, every single detail is on display. Many players have their hands cared for, but only a few have ever painted them for public display. How is it that Caleb Williams started wearing colored polish on the field?
The story starts approximately five years ago when Williams was a senior in high school. He’d spent his whole life being around his mom who “did nails” as a nail tech. He decided that he wanted to get his nails done because it was “a new thing” to try.
At first, he let her take care of his manicures, then he learned to do them himself. By that point, he was already helping the high school team win a championship and had won the Washington DC Gatorade Football Player of the Year award.
When he went to college, he continued taking care of his nails. He explained he likes to change the style and color each week. Soon, his fingertips were transmitting messages to the opposing team.
When the Trojans played the Utah Utes in the PAC-12 Championship, he sent them a four-letter challenge. Then, he delivered a similar missive to UCLA.
Next, his nail style shifted from plain lettering to including symbols like the American flag and a hazard sign. Once, he put the opposing team’s mascot on his middle finger.
While at USC, he was the Elite 11 Finals MVP, plus he won the Heisman Trophy. Finally, he was the number one pick in the NFL draft. By this time, he had started taking flak for painting his nails, but the criticism didn’t stop him. In fact, it may have made him more creative and bolder.
Challenge to Utah Utes
Here is the quarterback’s hand-painted challenge to the opposing team. It looks like he has a pretty steady hand with a nail brush, not just a football.
DND DC Nail Lacquer - 296 Little Pink Me Up
Draft Day
Here is Caleb Williams with silver glitter pinkies on draft day. They match his watch and look stylish with his zippered jacket and blue ensemble.
LDS Nail Lacquer - 165 Silver Fog
Emoji Nails and the Evil Eye
This is a fun manicure with fire emojis, hearts, smiley faces, and the protective evil eye for luck. This is a photo from March 2024 and the style is right on trend for the time. He’s wearing a gender-free nail polish featured in GQ and Refinery29.
Line Art Gel
Motivational Messages
Through the years, Caleb Williams has worn various motivational messages on his fingertips. Some were for him and other designs were encouragement for his team. Here’s “Bear Down” on a blue background for his new team.
LDS Color Craze Gel Nail Polish - 629 Midnight Quill - 0.5oz
Promotional Nails
Like any celebrity, Williams has also used his appearance to promote products by including logos in his designs. For example, in 2023, he had Dr. Pepper emblems on his nails. It was linked to the sixth season of Fansville, a show that celebrates a fictional town centered around college football. Moreover, this promotional arrangement also netted a donation from Dr. Pepper to Williams’ foundation called Caleb Cares. That organization aims to halt bullying, teach about mental health, and empower young people.
A Positive Example That Breaks Barriers
In an opinion piece for a college newspaper, the writer praised Caleb Williams’ courage and persistence in painting his nails in the face of criticism. Of course, it helps that Williams is an excellent player, but even so, he was getting more attention for his nail care than his skills on the field. The writer points out that social norms in the US promote nail care for women but are quick to express disapproval when men do the same. But Williams is breaking down the barriers and other athletes are stepping through the opening. For example, the Duke point guard showed off his painted nails on TikTok and even signed a deal with the Sally Hansen brand. As the writer concluded, Williams will continue to win games and break records whether his nails are painted or not.
Here’s an example of using his platform for good. In October 2022, Caleb Williams painted his nails with the suicide prevention crisis line number.
If you had the opportunity to use your nails to spread a message, what would it be?
Conclusion
What message are your nails transmitting? Would you like to change it? We live in a time where people have more opportunities to explore their personal style and stretch their boundaries. Let the Chicago Bears quarterback inspire you to be fearless with your next manicure. Drop by our store and stock up on the supplies and the colors you want to follow your heart.
Sources:
https://www.the-sun.com/sport/12415870/why-caleb-williams-paint-nails/
https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/35208130/usc-caleb-williams-nails-heisman-finalist-season
https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/why-does-caleb-williams-paint-nails-story-bears/a9166efe7f1fb226ba3664f5
https://thepolypost.com/opinion/2024/04/23/he-paints-his-nails-deal-with-it/
https://news.keurigdrpepper.com/2023-08-23-DR-PEPPER-R-TEAMS-UP-WITH-USC-STAR-QUARTERBACK-CALEB-WILLIAMS-FOR-FANSVILLE-SEASON-SIX#assets_all