Caleb Williams, the projected top pick in the NFL draft, caught attention at the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament game between USC and Kansas.
Decked out in pink nail polish, a pink phone, and a pink wallet, the standout college quarterback lent his support to his school, the No. 1 ranked Trojans, as they aimed for a championship run.
While Williams has already made a name for himself in college sports, transitioning to the NFL presents a new challenge. Fans of the league may not be as accustomed to the gender-blind fashion favored by Gen Z, which leans more towards Harry Styles than Howie Long.
Expected to be drafted first overall by the Chicago Bears in April, Williams isn’t the first athlete to embrace a flamboyant style, but his choices didn’t go unnoticed on social media. Reactions ranged from supportive comments to memes to chauvinistic remarks.
Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III urged people to let Williams be himself, emphasizing that there’s nothing wrong with his choice of pink nail polish and accessories. He suggested that if Williams does join the Bears, fans should support him for who he is.
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Williams also responded to criticism from a Barstool Sports employee with a pointed critique of his own.
NFL media personality Adam Rank drew comparisons between Williams and past Chicago football legend Jim McMahon, noting that while McMahon’s antics were controversial in the 1980s, today’s detractors are focusing on Williams’ fashion choices.
Regardless of the chatter, if Williams succeeds as the Bears’ star quarterback, his nail polish will likely be the least of Chicago fans’ concerns after 40 years without a standout quarterback.
