Rapper Boosie Bad*zz has stirred up controversy after making a critical comment about NFL standout Caleb Williams. Yesterday, June 3, 2026, Williams was announced as Madden’s next cover athlete. The 24-year-old appears on two versions of the game, a standard and a deluxe. On the latter, Williams’ nails are painted—something that’s clearly gotten the “Set It Off” rapper riled up.
Boosie Bad*zz Makes A Critical Comment About Caleb Williams After The Athlete Wears Nail Polish On Madden Cover
Williams is the next cover athlete for the popular Madden video game. He appears in two versions of the product: one shows the athlete throwing the ball in midair, while the second shows him staring directly into the camera with his arms crossed—his signature “Iceman” pose.
It didn’t take long for criticism of Williams’ involvement in the game to surface, as Boosie Bad*zz called the USC alum out for allegedly failing to set a good example for children.
“Fingernails painted on Madden. Young boys look up to you, bro, smh Caleb Williams, this is the example u set for them,” he wrote on Instagram.
The controversial rapper went on to say that Williams’ teammates should also have an issue with his actions. “You want respect from your teammates and your hands look like they b-tch nails at home,” he wrote.
He finished, “SMH [at] whoever thougth you would see this on a Madden cover. I feel sorry for these kids.”
Caleb Williams Is Grateful Madden Let Him Be Himself On The Cover Of The 2027 Edition
Speaking with PEOPLE about the chance to be Madden’s next cover athlete, Williams thanked the company for allowing him to express himself in a way that’s true to him.
“That’s what’s cool about Madden and EA and the cast that we had there. They wanted me to be myself… they wanted that energy,” he said. “We want you to be you, we want you to do as you do. We want you to wear what you wear on game day, we want you to dress how you dress, we want you to do this because we want it to be the most real version.”
According to Williams, it was “nice and freeing” to be given the permission to be himself, calling the EA sports team “a great staff to work with.”
Caleb Williams Says He Enjoys Seeing ‘All The Hate’ About His Nails
Williams’ painted nails have been a topic of discussion for years, dating back to his time as a student-athlete at the University of Southern California.
Williams explained that part of the reason he wears nail polish is to honor his mom, a nail technician who has had a major impact on his life.
“She’s been a part of it… she’s been a reason for it,” he said. “I think being able to share that moment with her, being able to let her know that I hope that she’s raised a young, confident man in himself — I think that will bring a lot of joy to her. Actually, I will ask her here soon.”
Elsewhere during his conversation with PEOPLE, Williams responded to “all of the hate” he receives from some viewers and critics about how he chooses to express himself.
“I think it’s enjoyable to be able to see all the hate, but also enjoyable to people who may now step outside their comfort zone,” he said. “… because somebody on a national stage is getting a bunch of heat.”
Williams Hopes To Share An Important Message By Painting His Nails
Williams also hopes to inspire those younger than him and set an example for how to “handle” the heat from critics.
“I hope that it’s important for one person and hopefully more to be able to see that,” he stated. “If it’s good enough for one person to see some of the things that I see in a positive standpoint, then it’s good enough for me to make sure I keep going — other than the fact that it is me.”
Boosie Sparks Debate Over Williams’ Painted Nails
Boosie’s comments about Williams spread quickly, prompting many to share their two cents on the matter.
“Boosie is a PONKKK, he wants his nails painted too. Happy pride,” someone shared, while another slammed Boosie for appearing to comment on all things “gay related.”
A third user wrote, “Why is Boosie always so bothered by what another man does?” while a fourth shared, “All the problems with the NFL and y’all mad about nail polish?”
Other users, however, appeared to agree with the rapper, as one posted, “Y’all laughin, but this is a problem. We can respect the [LGBTQ+] community if they stop forcing their agenda on us.”
“I don’t think he said it the best way,” another wrote. “However, I do not want to see painted nails on my Madden cover.”
Madden 27 will be released on August 13, 2026.