NBA legend George Gervin takes issue with Bears QB Caleb Williams’ latest move

Rising star Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears is really starting to make a name for himself as the leader under center for the storied NFL franchise after a stellar second season with the team in 2025.

However, Williams might be overstepping with his latest off-the-field move: he’s attempting to trademark “Iceman,” which has been NBA Hall of Famer George Gervin’s nickname for a very long time, via ESPN.

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams’ attempt to trademark the moniker “Iceman” is facing scrutiny from a legendary NBA player who shares the same nickname.

Gervin isn’t thrilled by the move by the Bears’ star quarterback.

“I’ve been the Iceman for 40-something years,” Gervin said. “I never thought anybody would try to trademark it. He kind of knocked me out the box.”

Williams has come under fire from analyst Skip Bayless, which prompted him to take to social media to address the matter.

Idc about where your fandom stands.

I was trying give you and everyone else the benefit of the doubt. About knowing business and being smart about it. But I guess not. Foolish of me!

Also words matter Skip Bayless.
“Steal”

Enjoy that podcast. https://t.co/PDMbllK1lx pic.twitter.com/fouK4A4zsz

— Caleb Williams (@CALEBcsw) March 27, 2026

Even the Spurs came to their former star’s defense, taking a subtle jab at Williams for his attempt to take the nickname, which has been well established by the former NBA superstar.

there's only one Iceman 🥶 pic.twitter.com/qM76nchyIW

— San Antonio Spurs – x (@spurs) March 26, 2026

It is unclear how this will play out, as it could get ugly down the road if neither side is willing to budge on the trademark. Gervin, however, seems to be giving Williams the benefit of the doubt, as he believes the Bears star “respects” the professional athletes who have come before him.

“I’m quite sure me and him going to get a chance to talk,” Gervin said. “I can kind of bet on that. We’re both men. I’m an older man. He’s a younger man. Me doing a little research on him, what I found out about him, he respects older athletes.

“I hate it the most because, man, he’s a special young guy getting ready to come up. His potential is great and he does have ice in his veins. But that name is already taken up.”

It’ll be interesting to see what happens when the dust settles.