Caleb Williams gives Bears a look at what they can expect with new look nails

Caleb Williams made good on his promise – new nails for his NFL debut with the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field.

The number one pick from April’s NFL Draft became the first overall quarterback selection to won on their debut since 2002, when David Carr won on his Houston Texans debut.

Williams threw for just 93 yards, completing 14 of his 29 passes while rushing for 15 yards in a low-key debut, but the Bears rallied from 17-0 thanks to their defense to win 24-17.

It is the victory that will mean most to Williams, and remarkably he ends a run of 15 quarterbacks selected first overall failing to win their first game – losing 14 and tying one game.

Now an NFL winner, the former USC Trojan has made no secret of his desire to do things differently – with pink nails part of his college routine.

So when footage emerged from the Bears warmup drills ahead of their season opener against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday – was anyone surprised to see Williams with a brand new set of nails?

Opting for a shade of orange in keeping with the Bears navy blue and orange uniforms – and there was a message for ‘Chi Town’ as well.

Adorning his bright orange nails – in navy blue ink was the message ‘#18 Da Bears’ – and fans will hope he lives up to the remarkable talent he showcased during his time at USC.

“It started, I would say, three years ago,” Williams said in 2023 when asked about the origin of his nailpainting.

“It was my last year of high school. My mom does nails – let’s just start it off there, She’s done it my whole life.

“It’s just kind of always been around me, nobody else does it – I just kinda like to do new things.”

It was a tough start for Williams, whose first couple of drives burned out and with the Bears trailing 17-3 in the third quarter they needed some magic.

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It came from Simone Biles husband Jonathan Owens who charged down a punt and picked the ball up to run it in for Chicago’s first touchdown of the season.

‘My heart’ the gymnastics legend posted on social media, after reposting Owen’s scoop and score – it’s not the first time she has shared her joy at her husband’s success either.

As well as his painted nails, Williams showcased his leadership ability – leading the Bears in their tunnel before they took to the field for a season that has more expectation than any in recent memory for the franchise.

“It’s the first one of many,” Williams said in a video shared by the team.

“But this is the only one that matters today so let’s handle it like we should. Lets go out like coach says and kick a**, it’s business.”

With Williams and the Bears roared onto the field a quiet first drive for the Bears was part of a scoreless first quarter.

All eyes were on Williams when the Titans opening kick off ending with them punting it away.

His first drive went just seven yards and featured just one completed pass. A second drive burned out despite a successful fourth down conversion but the Titans moved into a 17-0 lead.

Kicker Cairo Santos got the Bears on the board before Owens got the fans at Soldier Field going.

Two more Santos field goals brought Chicago without touching distance, and when Tyrique Stevenson picked off Will Levis for a second defensive score, Williams played his part finding DeAndre Swift for a two-point conversion.

Williams’s Heisman-winning pedigree and preseason showing has the Bears hopeful of a long and hopeful partnership.

The 22-year-old was one of six quarterbacks drafted in the first round of the draft – a record for the position in that round and he was one of three to start in Week 1.

Second overall pick Jayden Daniels started for the Washington Commanders and Bo Nix – picked 12th – started for the Denver Broncos.

Drake Maye, and Michael Penix Jr are backing up the starters is New England Atlanta, while J.J. McCarthy will miss the season after suffering a knee injury during training camp.

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