Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams is firing back after his attempt to trademark the nickname “Iceman” received backlash from NBA legend George Gervin and media personality Skip Bayless.
The controversy began when Gervin, the Hall of Famer long known as “The Iceman,” admitted he was blindsided by Williams’ attempt to trademark the nickname.
Thanks for the submission!
“I’ve been the Iceman for 40-something years,” Gervin told ESPN. “I never thought anybody would try to trademark it. He kind of knocked me out the box.”
•
Bayless then posted on X that he was “offended” Williams was trying to “steal” Gervin’s nickname. However, Bayless’ accusation did not sit well with the Bears signal-caller.
Looking to predict NFL playoff Scenarios? Try our NFL Playoff Predictor for real-time simulations and stay ahead of the game!
“Idc about where your fandom stands,” Williams wrote in response. “Also words matter Skip Bayless. ‘Steal.’ Enjoy that podcast.”
Williams also posted Merriam-Webster’s definition of “steal” making it clear he rejected Bayless’ framing of the situation.
The nickname first emerged during Williams’ breakout 2025 campaign.
“I’m a fan of it,” Williams previously said. “Ice is calm, but underneath is pure energy.”
He led Chicago to its first playoff victory in 15 years with a string of clutch late-game performances.
Also read: “Lie!!”: Caleb Williams speaks out after Ben Johnson trolls QB over NBA All-Star performance
Caleb Williams and George Gervin engage in trademark battle
Caleb Williams finds himself in an unexpected offseason showdown, not on the field, but in a trademark fight with NBA legend George Gervin over the “Iceman” nickname.
On March 16, Caleb Williams Holding Inc. filed four trademark applications tied to “Iceman,” covering merchandise including jerseys, hats, water bottles, T-shirts, trading cards and other branded gear.
Just four days later, Gervin Interests LLC answered back with trademark filings for “Iceman” and “Iceman 44,” the iconic nickname and number tied to the Hall of Famer’s San Antonio Spurs career.
The Spurs even weighed in on X, posting,
“there’s only one Iceman.”
Trademark attorney Josh Gerben said the case could become complicated. Because Williams filed first, the United States Patent and Trademark Office could initially side with him. However, Gervin may argue that he used the nickname decades earlier and that fans already connect “Iceman” to him.
“I hate it the most because, man, he’s a special young guy getting ready to come up,” Gervin said. “But that name is already taken up.”
For now, both sides appear headed toward a legal clash.
Edited by Prasen
