Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams is attempting to freeze unauthorized use of his nickname, “Iceman.”
Williams filed four new trademark applications on Monday with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, including for both the name “Iceman” and a new logo using the nickname, according to USPTO records. The other applications are for silhouettes of Williams mid-throw during his famous fourth-and-8 completion that helped lift the Bears over the Packers in their January wild-card game.
Williams earned the “Iceman” nickname after crafting multiple late-game comebacks for the Bears in 2025 (or for having “ice in his veins”). Williams said during a “Fox NFL Sunday” interview in November that he approved of the moniker.
“It’s interesting, to be honest, when you think of ice, ice is still, ice looks calm, but underneath is pure energy,” Williams said. “That’s the same mindset I have. In those moments, I feel at my calmest on the outside, but there’s a lot going on inside.”
After big plays, Williams would often hug his arms around himself and make a “brrr” motion.
“What do they call him, the Iceman?” receiver DJ Moore asked after he caught a 46-yard game-winner from Williams in a December game against the Packers. “He just was cool, calm and collected all game. And when we needed a big play, he was there to put it on the money.”
The trademark filings request to use the nickname and logos on various products, including eyewear, posters, baggage, water bottles, apparel and sporting goods. Williams now has 11 trademark applications either pending or in the process. He previously filed applications to trademark his name and multiple versions of a “CW” and bear claw logo.
According to trademark attorney Josh Gerben, the trademark process usually takes between 14 and 18 months. The USPTO must review the requests and, if approved, publish them for a 30-day window during which a third party can oppose the registrations.
Last July, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson challenged Pro Football Hall of Famer Troy Aikman’s attempt to trademark “EIGHT” for use on apparel and bags, arguing it would confuse with his own brand “Era 8.” Jackson later withdrew his appeal.
Many other athletes have taken similar steps to trademark their nicknames or brands. After his rookie season with the New York Giants, quarterback Daniel Jones requested a trademark for his nickname “Danny Dimes.” Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders has a trademark on his brand name “SS2LEGENDARY.”
The nickname “Iceman” in sports is most notably tagged to basketball Hall of Famer George Gervin, though the former San Antonio Spurs star does not have a trademark on the name.