Caleb Williams Explains His Painted Nails And Draws Portrait Of Being A Manly Man

DETROIT – Caleb Williams kept his hands in his pockets much of Wednesday morning while he was talking to reporters. That's understandable because it was 40 degrees outside and a biting wind was whipping through the site of the old Tiger Stadium where he and other NFL draft prospects were gathered for a community event put on by the NFL. 

But then I asked him about his penchant for painting his nails. And, sure, enough, Williams took his hands out of his pockets and showed me the thumb on his left hand is painted in silver and the thumb on his right is painted blue.

It's mostly about matching the fit he and some in his company will be wearing at the NFL draft Thursday evening. So there you have it.

Eugene, Ore. - USC Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams throws a pass during the second half against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium on Nov. 11, 2023. Photo: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

Caleb Williams Shows Off Nails

But wait, because after Williams shows me his painted nails and explains why he paints them, he begins doing something quarterbacks must do in the NFL to be good. 

He's anticipating.

He's anticipating the reaction to the painted nails. And he's responding, in part, by letting you know he doesn't care what anyone thinks about them because he's going to be himself. But, also, he lets it be known he's a man's man.

It's kind of fascinating. 

First off, Williams wants you to know, the nails will be painted to match his suit. And his girlfriend's dress.

"I'm wearing a navy suit. Bright navy blue with some silver accents, so it's going to look nice," Williams says. "And the silver pinkie is to match my lady's dress."

Somebody asks if Williams will wear high heels or maybe spiked shoes. 

"No, no, no," Williams says almost incredulously. "I'm not wearing no spike shoes. I'm wearing black boots."

Pause.

"Black boots," he repeats as if to make sure there are no misunderstandings.

(IMAGN/USA TODAY)

Caleb Williams Not About ‘Barbie’

Later on somebody asks Williams about his favorite movies and suggests "Barbie" is the most logical candidate.

Williams looks at the person asking as if he's a cyclops.

"Barbie?" Williams asks rhetorically. "No. No, no, no. One of my favorite movies is the Spartan movie – 300."

So a manly movie, with a manly hero, doing manly things, like defending his land against long odds and showing no fear while doing it. Got it.

How about a source of inspiration? Who inspires Williams?

"My dad for life inspiration," Williams says. "And Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady for  QB inspiration."

By now I'm getting an overall drift of the message.

LOS ANGELES - Caleb Williams of the USC Trojans shakes hands with Milton Hopkins Jr. of the Washington Huskies after a game at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 04, 2023.   (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

A Portrait By Caleb Williams

Caleb Williams is drawing a portrait of himself that mostly colors within very conventional lines. A lot of people who don't know him see the painted nails and that viral moment when he wept on his mom's shoulder after a USC loss last season, and make assumptions.

But what he's saying is he's going to look good in a blue suit on the most important night of his life -- hanging out with his family, which includes his father, who is his inspiration. He's going to have his girlfriend at his side, and if things get boring at some point after he's picked No. 1 overall, he can fall back on his favorite movie that is about heroic men doing heroic things.

Does this challenge any preconceived notions about Williams and the painted finger nails?

About that:

Williams obviously likes the look. But the experience seems to be something of an escape for him. A way to relax.

"It's one thing where you go to a nail salon, and it's peaceful," Williams says. "It's something not many people are doing. I just sit down and throw on my Beats [headphones]. I turn on a movie, I sit down and I'm chillin', not bothered by anything other than what I decide to be bothered by. 

"And then, I'm comfortable in my own skin. I know who and what I am and who I like and what I like and how I go about that. When I look into the mirror, I know who I am. And so that's the simplest answer I can give you for that. That's kind of how I go about it."

Caleb Williams shows his humorous side. (Credit: Getty Images)

Williams Show Humorous Side

Argue with that if you wish, but the Chicago Bears obviously aren't critical of the approach or the look.

Football ability aside, Williams showed the Bears who he is. The team spent a lot of time seeing him interact with coaches and teammates. They understand his passion for football. And that's why they're going to pick him No. 1 overall.

Well, all that and maybe his sense of humor as well.

Here's where you should know Williams's mother does nails for a living.

"My mom does nails," Williams confirmed. "She doesn't do my nails. She doesn't have time for me."