Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams has had three careers’ worth of narratives in only a half-decade’s time.
He was one of the most-anticipated prospects in NFL history coming out of USC.
He was drafted by the Chicago Bears with the first overall pick in 2024 and had a disappointing rookie season that got him labeled as a bust. The franchise didn’t give up on him, though, and knew that a coaching change would do a world of good.
In came Ben Johnson, the offensive coordinator from the Detroit Lions, and Williams turned in a fantastic second season that saw him captain the franchise to the NFC Divisional Round, where they almost upset the favored Los Angeles Rams.
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Williams is now everything people said he was going to be. He was ranked a top 10 quarterback in the league entering 2026 on ESPN, and he’s going to be the cover athlete for EA Sports Madden NFL 27.
“When I received the call from Madden, it was like my childhood dream was coming true. Being on the cover of Madden NFL 27 is a full circle moment,” Williams said. “I grew up playing Madden and imagining what it would be like to be part of the game. I know fans are going to love what’s new in this year’s game, and I’m looking forward to getting my rating up to a 99 by the end of the season.”
A close-up of the painted fingernails of quarterback Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears as he prepares prior to the game against the Tennessee Titans at Soldier Field.
The painted fingernails of quarterback Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears as he prepares prior to the game against the Tennessee Titans at Soldier Field. | Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images
Williams is proof that athletes should always walk their own paths and stay the course, both on and off the field. He has experienced tons of homophobia throughout his career so far for painting his nails, even though there is no proof that he is anything but straight.
Homophobic people take every opportunity to mock him and try to use the painted nails as a reason why he’s not good enough to be a franchise quarterback. He always responds by throwing one more amazing pass and orchestrating incredible drives at the end of games.
When asked about the painted nails, he explained their origins and how going to a salon with his girlfriend at the time resulted in a new cosmetic habit that has come to define his incredible aura.
“We were going to the nail salon, and she was like, ‘Why don’t you get this?’ I was like ‘f*** it.’ I know who I am. I know what I like.
“And so I did it, and it ended up becoming three nails, four nails, five nails, six.”
“People feel a certain way about it in a masculine sport. I give no f***s. I couldn’t care less. I’m gonna keep doing it. It’s unique to me.”
Chicago’s first nationally televised game this season will be on September 28 on Sunday Night Football against the Philadelphia Eagles. We can’t wait to see what color his nails will be both on that game day and in the Madden video game.
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