Chicago Bears star Caleb Williams achieved some magical and memorable performances during last NFL season and the playoffs, giving fans in the Windy City hope that the Monsters of the Midway had returned for football.
Williams’ highlight passes to find teammates in crucial scoring moments included an unforgettable heave against the Green Bay Packers to D.J. Moore in the endzone, to reinvigorate the fierce rivalry between the NFC North opponents.
Those cold performances had the young Bears quarterback referring to himself by the nickname “Iceman,” which just so happened to have been adopted years ago by NBA legend George Gervin, who spent time with the San Antonio Spurs and Chicago Bulls during his Hall of Fame career.
Earlier this week, Williams shared news that he had filed to trademark the nickname “Iceman,” which immediately brought scrutiny from Gervin, who indicated he had been “the Iceman for 40-something years” now. That also brought criticism from sports commentator and television personality, Skip Bayless, against Williams.
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“I’m a Caleb Williams fan. But I was a much bigger Iceman Gervin fan, and I’m offended Caleb and Co. are trying to steal George’s all-time great nickname. I unleash on today’s Arena Gridiron 2:30 E,” Bayless wrote on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday.
However, Williams fired back with a message of his own on Friday aimed at what Bayless accused him of, since there was never any trademark made on “Iceman” by Gervin over the past 40 years or so.
“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!” he wrote.
“Also words matter Skip Bayless. ‘Steal’ Enjoy that podcast,” he told Bayless in his X message, also sharing a screenshot of a dictionary definition of “steal” for him to review.
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Per ESPN’s report, Williams Holding Inc. filed four trademark applications with the United States Patent and Trademark Office on March 16 regarding the “Iceman” nickname.
The applications referred to athletic sporting goods and equipment, as well as water bottles, T-shirts, sweatshirts, jerseys, hats, eyewear, and downloadable posters and digital trading cards.
On March 20, Gervin Interests LLC filed for two trademark applications for “Iceman” and “Iceman 44.” During his basketball career, Gervin wore No. 44 as his jersey number with the Spurs.
Gervin played professional basketball in the American Basketball Association (ABA) and the NBA, including with the Spurs from 1974 to 1985. He achieved nine All-Star appearances, was a four-time NBA scoring champion, and was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.
A decision regarding whether Williams’ application will be accepted and Gervin’s refused could be months away, per ESPN’s report.
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