Caleb Williams’ nails have garnered attention since his rookie year with the Chicago Bears in 2024. As the quarterback took the spotlight in the playoffs this season, his manicures caught more people’s eyes. But longtime fans know that Williams’ affinity for painted nails began before his NFL career—he’s been painting his nails since his last year of high school, and later, it became his tradition on game days while playing for the University of Southern California Trojans.

Williams’ nails aren’t just a symbol of luck on the field—they also serve as a daily tribute to his mother, who worked as a nail technician his entire life. Though his nails have gotten some negative comments for going against the status quo of football culture over the years, he has continued the tradition as he led the Bears in the playoffs. The football player doesn’t mind paving the way as a trendsetter. “I don’t care what people have to say about it,” he once said in an interview.

While the Chicago Bears’ season is over now, Williams made quite the impact culturally. On TikTok, fans have been showing off their painted nails (and matcha lattes), inspired by the young quarterback. And in the long run, he’ll likely empower the next generation of football players to similarly express themselves freely.

Until then, see a roundup of Caleb Williams’ nails from the 2025 and 2026 season below.

August 2025

Chicago Bills vs Buffalo Bills

Williams kicked off the season in color. At a preseason game in August, the Bears quarterback faced off and won against the Buffalo Bills, sporting baby blue nails.

September 2025

Chicago Bears vs Minnesota Vikings

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