NFL star Caleb Williams paints nails to honour suicide prevention helpline

NFL star Caleb Williams has faced abuse after painting his nails to honour an LGBTQ+ youth prevention suicide hotline which was closed down.

The 23-year-old quarterback made the gesture as his Chicago Bears clashed with the Minnesota Vikings.

Williams painted the index finger of his right hand teal and his ring finger purple – the colours of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. He adorned the middle finger with a suicide prevention ribbon. On his left hand, the index, middle and ring fingers sported the numbers 988.

A sub-section of the national suicide crisis helpline, the LGBTQ+ Youth Specialised Service hotline, was shut down by the Trump administration in July under changes to the US federal budget.

Known as the Press 3 Option, the helpline was set up in conjunction with The Trevor Project in 2022. It served millions of LGBTQ+ youngsters, by directing them to relevant mental-health support services. It recorded a surge in the number of calls being fielded following the inauguration of Donald Trump in January.

The chief executive of The Trevor Project, Jaymes Black, said she was “devastated and heartbroken” by the closure, which went ahead despite calls from more than 100 members of congress for a rethink.

While Williams’ show of support was celebrated by some, other Bears’ fans directed homophobic abuse at him during the team’s 27-24 defeat at Soldier Field, in Chicago. He has never said he is gay.

Several people aimed homophobic stereotypes and slurs at Williams on social media, with some even blaming him for the loss in the opening game of the season on Monday night (8 September).

One user predicted that the Bears would “never win with a dude who paints his nails,” while another said it would “explain [his] atrocious performance”.

Other fans supported Williams, who joined the Bears last year. One pointed to the homophobic abuse as a reason “why the crisis line needs to exist,” adding: “If it doesn’t directly affect you, and it still makes you react negatively… check your closet.”

Others pointed out that his “powerful gesture” could “reach millions”.

The star faced similar abuse in July after he posted a photo on Instagram, showing off his blue nails.

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