Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams covered the logo on his Caddix cleats for the first time this season during the team's 34-17 victory over the Seattle Seahawks on Monday, ending a two-week standoff with the NFL that cost him $35,823 in fines.
Fines and Uniform Policy
The league fined Williams $11,941 in Week 6 and $23,882 in Week 7 for violating the NFL's uniform policy, which permits only logos from the league's three official footwear partners — Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour — to be visible on the field. Players may wear cleats from other manufacturers but must cover any non-approved branding.
Decision to Comply
After the game, Williams said he relented to avoid creating a distraction. "Just to calm things down," he explained. "It was a big week and not here to create any B.S. towards the team. I want to keep that to a minimum from my side." Head coach Ben Johnson had expressed confidence earlier that Williams would make the right choice, noting, "He's all about the team and I know he's not going to hurt the team."
Safety and Technology
Williams has worn Caddix cleats all season because he believes they are safer and more comfortable. The cleats feature patented "SmartStuds" technology. "I'm huge into my body, I'm huge into trying to stay on the field, I'm huge into trying to be healthy," Williams said last week. "The cleats, they've been great, they've been super comfy and they've worked. They are a science type of cleat."
Support from Peers and Company
Former NFL quarterback Joe Flacco, the first player to wear Caddix cleats in 2024, became an investor in the company and offered to cover any fines Williams incurred. Caddix also offered to pay the fines, according to ESPN, meaning Williams may not ultimately lose money despite the penalties.
