Jeffery Simmons Says ‘Painted Nails’ Jab Was Trash Talk

Jeffery Simmons said the 2024 comment that drew criticism from Bears fans was an attempt to needle Caleb Williams before the quarterback’s NFL debut, not a reflection of how he feels about his new teammate. Simmons addressed the remark at his first press conference with Chicago on October 30, after joining the Bears in a trade with Tennessee the previous day.

Before the teams met in Williams’ first NFL game, Simmons called the quarterback “Painted Nails” during an interview. Simmons said fans’ reaction was intense enough that he thought they might overwhelm his Instagram account. He also described the response as a sign of how passionately Chicago supporters back the team.

Simmons said he had been a fan of Williams but kept that to himself while they were opponents. “When we’re on the same team on Sundays, I go to war for any of my guys in the locker room,” he said, adding that he hopes Williams understands his commitment to teammates.

The two had exchanged greetings after a joint practice between Chicago and Tennessee in late August, Simmons said, and spoke again before team meetings on October 30. He said they did not discuss the earlier remark when they saw each other, and he looks forward to sharing the field with Williams.

Williams’ NFL debut ended with Chicago beating Tennessee 24-17. He threw for 93 yards, while Simmons recorded two tackles. The Bears are scheduled to visit Seattle on November 2 as they continue their push toward the playoffs.