Antonio Brown aims offensive slur at Ryan Williams after Alabama star signs NIL deal with nail polish brand
Former NFL star Antonio Brown took aim at Ryan Williams after the Alabama receiver inked his latest NIL deal.
Williams is poised to be a big star in college football, and his NIL ranking certainly shows it. On3 has Williams ranked second at the receiver position to only Jeremiah Smith with a valuation of $2.3 million compared to the latter's $4 million.
Williams inked a deal with the nail polish brand Sally Hansen this week. The wide receiver paints his nails before every game after reportedly starting the tradition with his little sister in high school. Williams isn't the first college athlete to sign with Sally Hansen, as Duke star guard Jared McCain, also known for painting his nails, signed a deal with the brand last year.
In response to the news of Williams signing with Sally Hansen, Brown took to his X account and issued a derogatory comment toward the 18-year-old.
"F**ggot of the Day," Brown wrote.
Ryan Williams already has deals in place with football equipment company NXTRND, EA Sports College Football 25 and Fortnite.
Ryan Williams' nail painting draws stark comparisons to Caleb Williams
Ryan Williams' case isn't the first time a college player has been scrutinized for painting their nails. Former University of Southern California quarterback Caleb Williams also faced some backlash for this during his college days. Williams was subject to many memes and social media scrutiny as pictures of his painted nails began to circulate.
The signal-caller later explained that painting his nails was a bit of a homage to his mother, a nail technician. He also started the tradition of painting his nails before college and reserved the ritual for special games.
Williams was eventually taken with the first overall pick of the 2024 NFL draft by the Chicago Bears. Perhaps the younger Williams will see similar success as his collegiate career progresses.