The Power of a Black Mother’s Permission: How Caleb Williams’ Mom Sparked a Movement Among Chicago Bears Fans
During Chicago’s thrilling NFL playoff run that ended Sunday, Bears fans flocked to get manicures. Yep, including the men.
Their young, superstar quarterback Caleb Williams has painted his nails for years as a gameday tradition. He often matches jersey colors or includes an inspiring — or sometimes sarcastic — message.
“My mom does nails. Let’s just start it off there,” the former Heisman winner said during a 2022 interview.
Williams has often fielded questions about why he paints his nails. The bright, bold designs and language are certainly enough to capture anyone’s eye, especially in the often hyper-masculine space of the NFL.
His mother, Dayne Price, was a nail technician who inspired not only her son’s nail art, but how to properly care for his hands. And of course Williams’ hands played a big role in him becoming the No. 1 draft pick out of USC two years ago, leading the Bears to their first playoff win in 15 years and finishing his second season as a top-10 QB in passing yards and touchdowns.
And his mother has been right there along for the ride.
During a painful USC loss, Price went viral for consoling Williams after the game. He jumped into the stands to find her after falling to Washington, and she shielded his tears from the public with a sign. Williams used that moment to advocate for mental health, and during Week 1 of his 2025 season in September, his nails included the suicide prevention logo and 988 for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Prevention Hotline.
Williams and his mother share an athletic background, too, as Price played college basketball for Maryland.
That Williams was inspired by his mother put an even more special touch on the nail-painting movement that emerged because of their life together.
Every time a fan lifts their orange and navy nails, it also becomes a quiet tribute to Dayne Price.