Caleb Williams Blasts Haters Who Criticize His Painted Nails: 'Couldn't Care Less'

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams is used to facing public scrutiny. However, in a new interview, the USC alum revealed just how unbothered he is by the noise.

Caleb Williams has been the talk of the town since blowing up in 2021. A year later, the Washington D.C. native was awarded the coveted Heisman Trophy. In 2024, Williams was the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and so far, has set several records for the Illinois franchise.

During an episode of the "Rush with Maxx Crosby" show, Williams, who steered the Bears to an 11-6 record and a title push during an impressive second season, opened up specifically about his painted nails.

For those unfamiliar, Williams has always faced heat from critics who find issue with the NFL star painting his nails with bright colors and different designs. Even then, Williams told Crosby he "couldn't care less."

"You know, people feel a certain way about it in a masculine sport, and I give no f—ks, to be honest with you. I couldn’t care less," he said.

Williams' comments about his expression came about a month after rapper Lil Wayne trolled the athlete on X following the Bears' win over the Green Bay Packers.

"We just loss [sic] a playoff game to a n-gga with purple nails we fkn suk [sic] bear azz!" he wrote. "Bare a**!!! We don't deserve to be in the playoffs. Straight like that."

Williams clapped back at Lil Wayne in a way only he can, sharing a snowflake emoji, referring to his nickname "Iceman," and writing, "#DABEARS."

Williams explained in a previous interview, according to The Blast, that part of the reason he paints his nails is to support his mother, who is a professional nail artist.

"It's kind of always been around me," he said. "And nobody else does it. I kind of like to do new things, [and] I don't really care what people have to say about it."

Speaking with Crosby, Williams opened up about another unique experience he had with one of his exes, who also encouraged him to get his nails done.

"I was like, ‘F—k it.’ I know who I am, I know what I like. And so, I did it. And it ended up becoming, you know, three nails, four nails, five, six … and I ended up just doing it," he said.

It's not just about wearing flashy colors, though. For Williams, the action also serves as a way to broadcast important messages.

"And I’m gonna keep doing it, and it’s unique to me, and it’s a cool way to embrace certain things, show love to certain things … so that’s why I do it," he said.

Williams grabbed headlines after a September 2025 game where he had "988," the suicide and crisis lifeline number, painted on his nails.

"Just being able to bring more awareness on a national level," he said. "It's important to me and being able to support, and, you know, I don't know if this does help or affect anything toward anybody ... but I do it for those reasons just in case it does."

Williams had quite the 2025 season, throwing 3,942 yards and recording 27 touchdowns.

During his appearance on Crosby's podcast, the Las Vegas Raiders defensive standout spoke highly of Williams and his ability on the field.

"Just to be open and honest, bro, like we talked about earlier, but respect at a different level, bro," Crosby said. "You’re one of those guys for sure, and you’re just getting started."

Crosby didn’t end the praise there, as the veteran NFL player offered even more positive messages to the QB. "I don’t even know you understand yet how good you can be, and that’s the scariest part," he said.

"Just keep that mindset, keep doing what you’re doing… You need me, hit me at any time. It goes vice versa," he finished.