Caleb Williams. Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

Caleb Williams’ Nickname Choice Is Blowing Up Online

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Orlando Silva | Last updated Apr 6, 2026 5:01 PM ET

Caleb Williams bounced back in 2025 after an underwhelming performance in his rookie season. The partnership with offensive mastermind Ben Johnson paid off for the Chicago Bears, who won the NFC North division title after winning 11 games.

Despite a heartbreaking divisional round loss to the Los Angeles Rams, Williams and the Bears made a strong impression, and they should be one of the potential threats to the Seattle Seahawks in 2026.

Amid a busy offseason for Williams, which included fans blasting him for his immediate actions after losing to the Rams, the player tried to make moves off the field. Williams filed a trademark for his “Iceman” and the silhouette of his “Jumpman throw” against the Green Bay Packers in the wild-card round.

Caleb Williams Explains Decision to Trademark “Iceman” Nickname

Jan 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) warms up before the game between the Chicago Bears and the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

While Williams did a lot at USC and his second season with the Bears to earn the “Iceman” nickname, a legendary NBA player from the 1970s and 1980s carried the nickname for many decades. Williams admitted he was unaware of it.

“I didn’t know,” Williams said, per Front Office Sports. “My dad probably knows his nickname was that. . . . It’s not between me and George or anything like that. It’s more or less people making clothing or people making things like that, and I can’t control what people are making of me, or anything like that, and putting the name on it. And so it’s just to control that aspect of it. I mean, that was the main reason of doing it. . . .”

The young quarterback said the move was aimed at protecting his brand. Gervin exhorted Williams to back off, saying the “Iceman” nickname was already taken.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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