Caleb Williams Faces Opposition From NBA Legend Over Attempts to Trademark ‘Iceman’ Nickname

NBA HOF George Gervin wants Caleb Williams to backout from trademarking the "Iceman" word.

Caleb Williams Faces Opposition From NBA Legend Over Attempts to Trademark ‘Iceman’ Nickname

Caleb Williams and George Gervin (Image via IMAGO/Sportico)

In Short
  • Caleb Williams is facing opposition from NBA legend George Gervin over his attempt to trademark the nickname "Iceman."
  • Gervin, who has used the nickname since 1979, filed his own trademark applications shortly after Williams.
  • The outcome of the trademark dispute will be determined by the United States Patent and Trademark Office in the coming years.

Acquiring permission to trademark the word “Iceman” won’t be an easy journey for Caleb Williams. An NBA legend is urging Williams to choose a different nickname, claiming he was the original to use “Iceman” during his playing days.

Hall of Famer George Gervin, who throughout his 14-year NBA career with the Virginia Squires, San Antonio Spurs, and Chicago Bulls was known as the “Iceman,” wants it to keep that way.

I’ve got nothing but respect for [Caleb Williams]. He’s already proved greatness and his potential upside is great. Like an ‘Iceman.’ But that name is taken. … All I’m saying is: Young fella, we’ve already got one ‘Iceman’.

George Gervin said (H/T: Jonathan Jones/CBS Sports)

Why does George Gervin want the “Iceman” nickname to remain his rather than allowing Caleb Williams to use it?

Fans of the Chicago Bears started calling Williams ‘Iceman’ to imply that he has ice in his veins after delivering nail-biting one-score wins last year. The former first overall draft pick recorded more wins from losing positions than any other quarterback in 2025, reaching the NFC Divisional round playoff game, where the Bears lost to the Los Angeles Rams.

Caleb Williams Faces Opposition From NBA Legend Over Attempts to Trademark 'Iceman' Nickname
The Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (Image via IMAGO)

The Chicago Sun-Times recently reported that Williams filed applications related to the “Iceman” nickname, including both the name and a logo. Additionally, Williams is seeking trademarks on two silhouettes, one of which is his miracle throw to wide receiver Rome Odunze during the Bears’ playoff victory over division rivals, the Green Bay Packers.

Four days later, Gervin filed trademark applications for “Iceman” and “Iceman 44.” The nine-time NBA All-Star shared that he had been using the “Iceman” nickname for goods and services since 1979. Williams’ parents were likely quite young at the time, considering the USC graduate was born in 2001.

Now, it all depends on the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to take care of the conundrum. It will take about one or two years for both parties to receive the results.

In 2024, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson had a minor disagreement with NFL Hall of Famer Troy Aikman over his plan to trademark the “No. 8.” Jackson’s trademark application could have caused confusion, as FL101, the company behind Aikman’s products, already sells several items featuring “EIGHT,” including a light beer brand. Jackson eventually dropped the idea in August 2025.

Caleb Williams receives generous praise from his Bears teammate

The Bears went from strength to strength in Williams’ second year in Chicago. With an 11-6 record, the Bears won the NFC North after a while. The Packers stood between them and the divisional game against the Rams. An overtime miracle touchdown pass to DJ Moore helped them get over the line.

Throughout this run, one other Bear stood out on the offense. Rookie tight end Colston Loveland proved his doubters wrong by racking up 713 receiving yards and six touchdowns on 58 catches. In a recent guest appearance on The Athletic Football Show, Loveland opened up about his on-field connection with Williams.

We hit every route we needed to hit. If we missed it in practice, we hit it. If we didn’t even get the rep in practice, we hit it. … So when it came to gametime, it was easy.

Loveland said

Williams threw for 3,942 yards, coming mighty close to becoming the first Bears quarterback to surpass the 4,000 passing yards mark. He completed 27 touchdowns and just 7 interceptions, while also adding three scores on the ground.

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