"Da Bears" - Dwyane Wade shouts out Caleb Williams' nail art after receiving criticism for similar fashion

NBA legend Dwyane Wade has often been seen with painted nails since his retirement, drawing criticism. But it appears that he genuinely enjoys the new style. On Sunday, he gave a shoutout to another athlete sporting nail art.

Dwyane Wade took to Instagram stories to highlight Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, who had nail art spelling out “#18 DA BEARS.” The Miami Heat legend said:

“Da Bears!!! Let’s go!!!”

Dwyane Wade shouts out Caleb Williams' nail art (Photo from Wade's IG Stories)

Dwyane Wade’s ties to Chicago run deep, both personally and professionally. Born in the city on Jan. 17, 1982, he was raised there, influenced by its rich basketball culture. He attended Harold L. Richards High School, where he excelled at basketball before earning a scholarship to Marquette University in Wisconsin.

Wade's professional connection with Chicago grew stronger when he signed with the Bulls in July 2016 after spending 13 seasons with the Miami Heat, marking a return to his hometown.

Since retiring, Wade and his family have continued supporting Chicago sports teams. Just last month, his daughter Zaya Wade threw the first pitch at a Chicago Cubs game.

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Dwyane Wade opens up about painting his nails

In an interview with Highsnobiety, Wade discussed his nail-painting, clarifying that it’s not something new.

“I’ve been getting my nails painted since 2007,” Wade said. “I always knew that’s what I wanted to do: I wanted to be one of them sharp-dressed men who smelled good, who stayed clean-shaved, and all that.”

He attributed his sense of style and grooming to his father, Dwyane Wade Sr., who he said was always well-groomed and fashionable.

“My father has always been a man who would take care of himself,” he gushed. “He was just a fly dude, and it didn’t matter if it was a sweatsuit or if it was a suit.”

Wade mentioned that he had faced criticism for his painted nails from the beginning, even from his close friend LeBron James.

“Three years ago I was like, ‘Man, I kind of want to paint my toenails black … later I was on vacation in the Bahamas with LeBron, and when he saw my toes he was like, ‘Something is seriously wrong with you.’” Wade recalled.

However, over time, LeBron warmed up to the idea, Wade said. Wade has confidently embraced nail art, showcasing it at his Hall of Fame induction, at the Oscars, during the Olympics and in other significant moments.