Open Thread: George Gervin seeking to trademark his “Iceman” moniker after NFL QB files for rights

CLEVELAND, OH – FEBRUARY 20: NBA Legend, George Gervin of the NBA 75th Anniversary team takes a photo during the 2022 NBA All-Star Game as part of 2022 NBA All Star Weekend on February 20, 2022 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Jim Poorten/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

In strange-but-true news, Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams has filed to trademark the word “Iceman” for his merchandise line. If the name “Iceman” sounds familiar, it’s because San Antonio Spurs legend George Gervin has been using it for over half a century.

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams recently filed four trademark applications to legally claim the "Iceman" nickname for his own clothing and merchandise line, but Spurs legend George "The Iceman" Gervin is officially fighting back. Just days after Williams submitted his… pic.twitter.com/gzacHRA3OJ

— SpursRΞPORTΞR (@SpursReporter) March 26, 2026

The Hall of Fame baller has taken action by filing trademark requests for “Iceman and ”Iceman 44.“ This came four days after Williams initially filed his clothing line trademark request.

There has been much discussion on social media. Young fans unaware of Gervin believe he should have trademarked the nickname by now. Meanwhile, fans of the ABA/NBA crossover star have pointed out his merits as reason enough for Williams to change his path.

In their professional careers:

Gervin — Williams —
4x Scoring Champ
12x All-Star
1x ASG MVP
9x All-NBA/ABA
ABA All-Rookie

One is Iceman. One is a guy. pic.twitter.com/3fOJ5RJUfZ

— SpursMuse (@spurs_muse) March 27, 2026

Skip Baylessn spoke out in defense of George Gervin….

I’m a Caleb Williams fan. But I was a much bigger Iceman Gervin fan, and I’m offended Caleb and Co. are trying to steal George’s all-time great nickname. I unleash on today’s Arena Gridiron 2:30 E.

— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) March 27, 2026

…which compelled Williams to respond.

Idc about where your fandom stands.

I was trying give you and everyone else the benefit of the doubt. About knowing business and being smart about it. But I guess not. Foolish of me!

Also words matter Skip Bayless.
“Steal”

Enjoy that podcast. https://t.co/PDMbllK1lx pic.twitter.com/fouK4A4zsz

— Caleb Williams (@CALEBcsw) March 27, 2026

Turns out both could be fighting for table scraps as former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell may have trademarked the term prior to either Williams or Gervin.

This story is ongoing and will be updated.

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