Nail Polish Is The Best Thing for the Future of Sports

Recently, Jared McCain announced that he will be declaring for the 2024 NBA draft in a social media post. In addition to announcing that he is leaving Duke University after his freshman year, McCain addressed controversy surrounding painting his nails. Similarly to McCain, Caleb Williams, a college football quarterback, is receiving criticism for his decision to use nail polish. While it is not the norm for male athletes to paint their nails, it truly doesn’t matter. With both McCain and Williams projected to be the future faces of their respective sports, the two are redefining the intersections between masculinity and sports.

Duke fans I can truly say this was the best year of my life, I can’t stress that enough. I loved everything about this school. Thank you for welcoming me with open arms and supporting me through everything this year. I know the TikToks and nail painting is different and hard to…

— Jared Mccain (@J_mccain_24) April 12, 2024

Within male sports, there is a history and culture of toxic masculinity that has yet to faze McCain and Williams. Even though nail polish has no gender, sports’ fans are pouring outcries towards McCain and Williams. Despite not owing anyone an explanation, Williams explained his nail polish use to USC legend Matt Leinart in an interview last year. Regardless of Williams’ explanation, it is time that men disrupt what it means to be a male athlete.

As McCain’s fan base continues to grow, McCain is challenging men to create new understandings of masculinity beyond the scope of nail polish. In addition to painting his nails, many know McCain for singing and dancing on TikTok. McCain’s security in his masculinity is undeniable and already influencing men across the sport. For example, McCain encouraged basketball analyst, Jay Bilas, to paint his nails on live TV. Before, this might have been considered taboo or flamboyant. In reality, nail polish, whether clear or rainbow, is simply a form of expression just like wearing a chain.

Additionally, football fans were upset when Williams was featured in GQ last year wearing a dress. Whether it’s a dress, nail polish, or even heels, Williams and McCain are still strong at their craft. These forms of expression do not take away from an individual’s’ abilities.

It is important for men to understand that they have the right to express themselves however they choose. This applies to men across all professions. And with McCain and Williams being high profile individuals, hopefully more men will look to them when it comes to feeling secure in their masculinity. Nail polish is not the key to fixing toxic masculinity, but it is a step towards allowing men to express themselves however they choose.