March 27, 2026, 3:09 p.m. CT

Caleb Williams is officially turning up the heat when it comes to the “Iceman” nickname debate.

The Chicago Bears quarterback made headlines over the last couple of weeks when it was revealed that he applied for a trademark for the Iceman nickname after earning it during the 2025 season. Williams helped lead the Bears to six comeback victories, resulting in an 11-6 record to finish atop the NFC North and advancing to the divisional round of the playoffs.

As Williams continued to find magic in the fourth quarter, the Iceman was officially born, and the second-year quarterback embraced the nickname. From touchdown celebrations to literal ice sculptures, the “Iceman” moniker stuck, and Williams decided to try and profit off the nickname.

The only problem, however, is that San Antonio Spurs legend George Gervin believes he should be the only person in sports with the Iceman and is attempting to stop Williams from trademarking the name, according to CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones. Gervin earned the nickname during the 1970s and 80s, but it was never trademarked. Now that Williams is pushing to trademark the nickname, Gervin is speaking out and he’s not alone.

Many people in sports media are sharing their opinions about the debate, including polarizing take artist Skip Bayless. The former sports debate show star posted that he was “offended Caleb and Co. are trying to steal” the nickname from Gervin to help preview one of his upcoming shows. That caught the attention of Williams, who decided to break his silence on the topic.

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“I don’t care about where your fandom stands,” Williams posted. “I was trying to give you and everyone else the benefit of the doubt about knowing business and being smart about it. But I guess not. Foolish of me! Also, words matter, Skip Bayless. ‘Steal.’ Enjoy that podcast.” Williams included a screenshot of the definition for “steal” as well.

Bayless isn’t the first person to speak out against Williams’ quest to profit off the nickname, but his take was the straw that broke the camel’s back. It remains to be seen if the quarterback will win the rights to the Iceman trademark, but the nickname isn’t going away anytime soon. Like it or not, Williams is the Iceman of the NFL.