Chicago Bears quarterback seeks to trademark 'Iceman' | Column
Reg Wydeven is a partner with the Appleton-based law firm of McCarty Law LLP. He writes a weekly column for The Post-Crescent.
‘Top Gun’ was one of the most iconic movies of the ‘80s. Tom Cruise played ace pilot Pete Mitchell. His callsign was “Maverick,” which reflected his personality as a reckless, independent pilot who rejected standard tactics and thrived on risk.
His counterpart was Tom Kazansky. Portrayed by Val Kilmer, “Iceman” earned his moniker from his calm, calculated, and “ice cold” flying style, which focused on making no mistakes. In the film, he clashes with Maverick, telling him, “Every time you fly, you’re unsafe.
I don’t like you. You’re dangerous. ” Kilmer’s character is the epitome of cool and his portrayal made it a legendary cinematic role that is synonymous with the late actor.
Then there’s Caleb Williams. The Chicago Bears quarterback was also dubbed “Iceman” halfway through this past season midway after scoring back-to-back touchdowns late in the game to lead his team to a 24-20 comeback victory over the New York Giants. Apparently, it even inspired the creation of an ice sculpture in downtown Chicago.