Uncool

Posted on Mar 31, 2026 by

‘Top Gun’ was one of the most iconic movies of the ‘80s. Tom Cruise played ace pilot Pete Mitchell. His callsign was “Maverick,” which reflected his personality as a reckless, independent pilot who rejected standard tactics and thrived on risk.

His counterpart was Tom Kazansky. Portrayed by Val Kilmer, “Iceman” earned his moniker from his calm, calculated, and “ice cold” flying style, which focused on making no mistakes. In the film, he clashes with Maverick, telling him, “Every time you fly, you’re unsafe. I don’t like you. You’re dangerous.”

Kilmer’s character is the epitome of cool and his portrayal made it a legendary cinematic role that is synonymous with the late actor.

Then there’s Caleb Williams.

The Chicago Bears quarterback was also dubbed “Iceman” halfway through this past season midway after scoring back-to-back touchdowns late in the game to lead his team to a 24-20 comeback victory over the New York Giants. Apparently, it even inspired the creation of an ice sculpture in downtown Chicago.

As a die-hard Packer fan, I admittedly don’t follow a lot of Bears news, but I have never heard Williams being referred to as Iceman. But, like he does on the field, he’s taking the nickname and running with it.

In March, Williams applied for multiple trademark protections for the term “Iceman” with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. In addition to the name, Williams is also hoping to trademark the silhouette of him throwing a pass, with his arms and legs splayed, almost making an ‘X.’ It is very reminiscent of another Chicago athlete’s logo, Michel Jordan’s Jumpman.

Williams’s attorney, Josh Gerben, shared that Williams submitted four trademark applications, two for the Iceman nickname, with one being a unique design, and two for the silhouette of him making an off-balance throw.

If approved, Williams intends to use the trademarks for multiple products, including: eyewear; sunglasses; downloadable posters; downloadable computer software featuring digital trading cards; athletic bags; tote bags; backpacks; luggage; water bottles sold empty; sports bottles sold empty; plastic water bottles sold empty; mugs; sweatshirts; shirts; tee shirts; hats; jerseys; jackets; vests; athletic sporting goods, athletic and sports equipment; footballs; and balls for games.

In a blog post, Gerben explained that Iceman is tied to the “silhouette of Williams mid-throw, inspired by a pivotal fourth-and-8 play during a playoff matchup in Green Bay last season.” Great, so the game-saving fourth-down conversion to Rome Odunze in the Bears’ wild card win over the Packers will be emblazoned on Chicago fans’ gear for the rest of eternity.

Another favorite Iceman from my youth was George Gervin, the Hall of Fame forward from the San Antonio Spurs. Here’s hoping the 4-time NBA scoring champion, known for his silky-smooth finger rolls, files paperwork to block Williams’ application. If not, I fear the Iceman cometh.



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Reg P. Wydeven

Elder Law and Estate Planning Attorney at McCarty Law LLP
Hoping to follow in his father’s footsteps from a young age, Reg’s practice primarily consists of advising individuals on estate planning, estate settlement and elder law matters. As Reg represents clients in matters like guardianship proceedings and long-term care admissions, he feels grateful to be able to offer families thorough legal help in their time of need.
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