Late in the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers in the playoff game, the Chicago Bears were stuck in a 4th-and-8 from their own 43. It honestly felt like the game was done and dusted. But Caleb Williams, like a prince in shining armor, slipped out and delivered a clutch pass to Rome Odunze, and the catch kept the drive alive. It helped them mount an 18-point comeback, and that’s when Williams got the nickname “Iceman.” A name that he is now trying to turn into a brand. But standing in front of him is a 6’7” problem, claiming that he is the OG Iceman.

On March 16, Williams filed for four trademark applications tied to the name, covering “Iceman,” a logo, and even silhouettes of his signature jump pass to Rome Odunze. But George Gervin, the NBA Legend, someone who is not just associated with the nickname but is the nickname, is not going to let this nickname go so easily.

“I’ve got nothing but respect for [Williams],” “He’s already proved greatness, and his potential upside is great. Like an ‘Iceman.’ But that name is taken… All I’m saying is, ‘Young fella, we’ve already got one ‘Iceman.’”

Now, unlike Williams, he didn’t get the nickname now, but all the way back in 1973, when his teammate Roland “Fatty” Taylor gave it to him during his ABA debut with the Virginia Squires. He earned the nickname because of his incredibly calm demeanor. Even in the most tense situations, he would stay cool and not break a sweat. Through his 14-year career, the nickname became so synonymous with him that his own team didn’t realize that it wasn’t trademarked. They just assumed that it was. Jerald Barisano, president of Gervin Global Management, just admitted that.

“We are hoping the inspectors will do the right thing,” Barisano said. “All they’ve got to do is do one Google search, and they’ll see hundreds and hundreds of articles on the ‘Iceman,’ George Gervin.”

Now they are relying on the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to recognize decades of established use. The trademark process takes between 14 and 18 months, and Gervin plans to contest the trademark if it’s granted to Williams, Barisano said. Meanwhile, Gervin has also filed his applications for “Iceman” and “Iceman 44,” tipping his hat to his jersey number. So yeah, this isn’t just a casual disagreement; it’s like a proper trademark battle.

And on Gervin’s side, there is some support coming in, too. The Spurs posted a picture of Gervin sitting on an icy throne with the message, “There’s only one Iceman.” While the No. 1 pick of the 2024 NFL draft faces a new challenge, it is not the first time two individuals have had the same moniker.

Many athletes across sports go by the same moniker

The sports world is watching a new kind of situation, featuring a moniker battle. For years, George Gervin never thought of trademarking his moniker, but when Caleb Williams filed for it, he could not let it slide. Trademarking gives you exclusive rights to profit from any commercial use of the nickname.

So, there is a clear motive for the former San Antonio Spurs shooting guard as well. But when it comes to people having the same moniker, it is nothing new in the sports world. There are tons of examples of two or more players sharing the same moniker.

The “King” moniker can be associated with LeBron James, Henrik Lundqvist, and Felix Hernandez. The first is an NBA player, while the other two competed in ice hockey and baseball, respectively. Besides them, boxers Ray Robinson and Ray Leonard are nicknamed “Sugar Ray.” Both Lawrence Taylor and LaDainian Tomlinson went by their initials, “LT,” for instance.

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) will handle Williams and Gervin’s case. The organization will review both claims. If one of them gets approved, there will be a 30-day window during which third parties can oppose. If the decision goes in Williams’ favor, there will be no issue with him getting called “Iceman.” But if it goes the other way, it could be an issue. There won’t be an issue with fans using the nickname, but the quarterback won’t be able to monetize it.