It seems there's a tradition Caleb Williams is bringing with him to the NFL.
Williams, the No. 1 draft pick in the 2024 NFL draft selected by the Chicago Bears, arrived at the draft in Detroit, Michigan, with his signature painted nails.
The quarterback, who played for the University of Southern California, proudly displayed his nails on the red carpet at the April 25 draft, telling Cam Newton, "I paint my nails, I wear unique things."
“I paint my nails, I wear unique things.” - Caleb Williams
— Barstool Chicago (@barstoolchicago) April 25, 2024
“I can relate.” - Cam Newton pic.twitter.com/7GTKHovMhn
Williams previously shared in an interview with USC Athletics that his mom has been a nail technician for as long as he can remember, which influenced him to start painting his nails during his final year of high school.
@usc.athletics mom knows best! #usc #football #nailart ♬ Chill Vibes - Tollan Kim
"It's kind of always been around me, and nobody else does it," he explained, referring to his habit of painting his nails. "I like to try new things." He noted that he changes the color and style every week.
"This is where all the gold comes from," he added, indicating the inspiration behind his unique look.
Williams' standout performance earned him the Heisman Trophy in 2022, a prestigious award given to the most outstanding college football player. During that season, he recorded 42 touchdown passes and threw for 4,537 yards. He transferred to USC in 2021 after playing at the University of Oklahoma. Williams is originally from Washington, D.C.
Before the draft, he expressed his enthusiasm about potentially joining the Chicago Bears, saying that if it happened, he "can't wait."
"I've heard nothing but great things about you all," he said to the media in Detroit on April 24, according to NBC Sports Chicago. "I'm ready to go."
And he's been ready to go for a while. He told HOROSCOPESNEWS's Kaylee Hartung that he started planning for this moment when he was just 12 years old.
"It's actually becoming a reality, being here, at the draft, possibly being the No. 1 pick. Crazy."
The NFL draft spans three days and will conclude on Saturday, April 27.