Caleb Williams publicly shares a thoughtful statement, adorned with nail polish, prior to the Bears vs Vikings game.
In a bold move to raise awareness for suicide prevention, Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams painted his fingernails during Monday's game against the Minnesota Vikings.
The numbers '988' were painted on Williams' left hand, which is the phone number for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the United States. On his right hand's middle finger, he painted the suicide prevention ribbon.
This gesture was made in support of suicide awareness month, which takes place every September. Williams had previously used his platform to raise awareness, having done so during World Mental Health Day in 2022 at USC.
The game against the Vikings saw Williams start with a rushing touchdown, sending the home crowd wild. By the start of the fourth quarter, he had thrown for 147 yards and a touchdown, with his team leading the Vikings 17-6.
Williams' unique gesture received praise from fans and critics alike. One fan wrote that Williams' gesture speaks louder than most press conferences, while another praised Williams, stating that they usually give him criticism for his nails but this specific one is awesome.
However, Williams has previously been mocked for painting his nails. But this time, he received praise for his gesture. Another fan even pointed out that this is not the first time Williams has used his platform to raise awareness.
Caleb Williams, a highly-touted American football player, played quarterback at the University of Southern California (USC). He is expected to be the top pick in the NFL Draft in 2024, as he is considered one of the most promising talents in the sport.
In recent years, Williams has been openly advocating for mental health, particularly suicide prevention. One of the most notable examples of this is the memorial armband exchange after his win in the College Football Playoff 2022, where he wore the armband of his deceased friend and teammate from Oklahoma, Spencer Webb. Webb had been an advocate for suicide prevention before his unexpected death in 2022.
In his public actions, Williams has continued to highlight the importance of mental health and suicide prevention. Most recently, this was prominent in his Heisman Trophy speech in December 2023, where he once again emphasized the importance of openly discussing mental health issues and encouraging others to seek help:
"We need to keep the conversation going about mental health. It’s okay not to be okay, and it’s okay to ask for help."
In the same year, he also used his social media platforms to support organizations like the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and educate his followers.
Williams remains a significant voice for this important issue in American sports. For the latest updates on his advocacy efforts, a search in Williams' social media or current sports news is recommended. His speech in December 2023 marks the most recent significant public appearance to address this issue.
