NFL Fans Defend Caleb Williams After NBA Legend Opposes ‘Iceman’ Nickname Trademark Application – “Move on Old Man”

Caleb Williams has proved he can stay calm before delivering clutch throws late in games as he has done in the past season.

NFL Fans Defend Caleb Williams After NBA Legend Opposes ‘Iceman’ Nickname Trademark Application – “Move on Old Man”

Bears QB Caleb Williams (Image via Captain CeeBee/X)

In Short
  • Caleb Williams has submitted four trademark applications for the nickname 'Iceman' and related logos.
  • NBA legend George Gervin opposes Williams' trademark attempt, asserting he is the original 'Iceman.'
  • The trademark dispute may hinge on historical usage, as Gervin has used the name commercially since 1979.

Chicago Bears star Caleb Williams has, in one season, reversed the league-wide opinion about him from a potential ‘bust’ to a quarterback on the rise.

The USC alum took advantage of head coach Ben Johnson‘s wizardry on offense and propelled the Bears almost to win the NFC Divisional Round game against the Los Angeles Rams.

Despite a disappointing end to that game, both Williams and Johnson were happy with what they achieved. Since then, have been talking about what they can do in the future.

The quarterback is dreaming of the possibility of breaking some records on the offensive side of the ball, which is something that has seen him receive some backlash.

But then, whenever someone tries to troll him, Caleb Williams always seems to be ready with an answer. At the same time, he wanted to improve his image, and considering how clutch he has been last season, the 24-year-old now wants to make things official.

I’ve got nothing but respect for [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 told The Chicago Sun-Times

This is NBA legend George Gervin, who believes he holds the rights to use the ‘Iceman’ nickname after Caleb Williams applied for a trademark to make it his own.

NBA ‘Iceman’ George Gervin subtly shuts down Caleb Williams’ attempt

Caleb Williams‘ representatives applied for the trademark four days before George Gervin could. Fans believe that since the NBA Hall of Famer was late to do that, he might as well let it go.

Some felt that the San Antonio Spurs’ great is no longer relevant, and thus, should allow the current generation to take over. Even though some basketball fans might not appreciate it, the overwhelming opinion was that the Bears’ QB should have it. Check out examples of those reactions below:

Washington Wizards star Trae Young often uses the ‘Iceman’ celebration, and now international athletes are using it after watching Young popularize it.

But since Caleb Williams has taken the opportunity to make it his own, football fans are of the opinion that he should get it and create merchandise to ensure his legacy is built.

Caleb Williams might have to battle in court to win ‘Iceman’ trademark

It so happens that Caleb Williams has just used the Iceman celebration during his second season in the NFL, as his rookie season was nothing to talk about.

Caleb Williams with his 'Iceman' celebration
Caleb Williams with his ‘Iceman’ celebration (Image via DaveB TV/X)

In contrast, George Gervin has used that moniker over his 15-season career in the NBA, and is using that, along with his history of using it commercially, as the reasons he should own the trademark.

However, the problem facing the NBA legend is that his Gervin Interests LLC only filed for the trademark four days after Williams’ representatives did.

That could be the advantage the signal caller and his associates need in this battle for the trademark. They are pointing at recency, and how Caleb Williams’ throw to Rome Odunze in the Bears’ Wild Card win against the Packers is apt for his silhouette.

The only problem is that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office will look at historical data to determine who should receive the trademark. Gervin used it commercially in 1979. That could complicate matters for the quarterback.

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