Mar 27, 2026
3 min read
Bears QB Caleb Williams is facing a trademark dispute from NBA legend George Garvin over the nickname "Iceman."
Caleb Williams has dealt with bad news off the field before his third season with the Bears
At age 24, Caleb Williams helped the Chicago Bears reach the playoffs in the 2025 campaign, finishing his regular season with 3,942 passing yards, 27 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
Williams earned the nickname "The Iceman" for his late game excitement.He had six fourth quarter comebacks in the regular season and seven in a 31-27 playoff win over the Green Bay Packers.However, their season ended in a 20-17 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the divisional round.
Now, with the 2026 season on the horizon, Williams is facing unexpected complications off the field.His company filed for four "Iceman" trademarks on March 16, including the logo and silhouettes of a key throw against the Packers.The filings cover merchandise such as jerseys, caps and digital trading cards, with some comparing the logo to Michael Jordan's "Jumpman."
Four days later, NBA hero George Gervin, who scored 26,595 points in his 14-year career, applied for "Iceman" and "Iceman 44".His record mentions the first use of the nickname "Iceman" in the business since 1979.Is it surprising?Williams was not born at that time.
Jerald Barisano, CEO of Gervin Global Management, said they initially believed the trademark was safe, but blamed the filing delay on the death of a business partner.
Meanwhile, the Hall of Famer spoke directly about playing with the NFL star, saying, "I have nothing but respect ... He's already proven that he's great, and his potential is great. Like 'Iceman.' But that name is taken. ... What I'm saying is, 'Young man, we already have one 'Iceman.'"
NBA legend George Gervin tries to stop Bears QB Caleb Williams from commercializing his 'Iceman' nickname https://t.co/AlgV3w1myf
— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) March 26, 2026
Because Mr. Williams applied first, the USPTO will process Mr. Williams' application first. But Garvin's team plans to block him, arguing that he has owned the Iceman mark for decades. A final decision could take more than a year, and either side could formally object if one side is approved.
As head coach Ben Johnson focuses on improving the chemistry between Williams and his receivers, it looks easier on the field after dropping so many passes last year.Reports suggest Johnson is planning a more aggressive vertical attack to take advantage of Williams' arm strength heading into his third NFL season.
So it's safe to say they're still in a strong position to contend after going 11-6 and clinching the NFC North title.
Related: Bears QB Caleb Williams Sad About NFL Retirement News
This story was originally published by Athlon on March 26, 2026 and appeared first in the NFL category.Add Athlon as a favorite site by clicking here.
