Caleb Williams hadn't really used a particular celebration during his rookie season or through the first half of 2025. However, as his confidence grew, he felt it was time to break out something he felt fit him. He debuted it against the Cleveland Browns in one of the coldest games ever at Soldier Field. After throwing one of the craziest touchdown passes of the season to D.J. Moore, Williams wrapped his hands over his arms and rubbed up and down, indicating it was ice cold.
The quarterback later said he got the idea from British soccer superstar Cole Palmer, who uses the celebration after his goals. Palmer has won numerous championships throughout his career, including the Champions League in the 2022-2023 season.
As it turns out, either by accident or clever planning, the move has another meaning that most people are unaware of. According to experts, that gesture is also a sign in American Sign Language. What does it mean?
"Bear."
That is either the craziest coincidence on the planet or a genius discovery Williams baked into the celebration. Don't forget this is the same guy who used the Claw gesture all the time when he first arrived. Fans started doing it. He's not stupid.
Caleb Williams continues to ingratiate himself with Chicago.
Obviously, the quickest way to win fans over is by winning football games. He is doing that. However, the toughest part from his perspective is getting them to believe in him. No one can blame them for being skeptical. They've been burned by quarterbacks going back decades, surrounded by constant disappointment. Williams knew he had to carry himself with unwavering confidence. Fans aren't stupid. They can smell weakness in quarterbacks. Six 4th quarter comebacks and an overtime win for the ages over Green Bay has finally broken the dam.
Chicago believes. The Iceman cometh.
Nobody knows how far the Bears will go in the playoffs. Just being there feels like a miracle after where this team was a year ago. One thing they do know is that Caleb Williams is the real deal. He is a franchise quarterback, the first this organization has seen since World War II. Some have come close, like McMahon and Cutler. None ever hit that final gear. Williams left no doubts that night at Soldier Field. This is his team, and he's preparing to take them to the top.
