Bears quarterback Caleb Williams pays $23,882 fine for Caddix cleats in Week 7
The penalty is double the amount imposed in Week 6 for the same violation, as the league enforces shoe brand exclusivity rules.
By Javier Cabrera ·
The NFL fined Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams $23,882 for wearing Caddix cleats during the team's Week 7 game, according to a source who spoke to ESPN on Thursday. The amount is exactly twice the $11,941 penalty assessed in Week 6 for the same uniform violation.
The league penalizes players who wear footwear from brands without an official partnership. Only Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour hold such agreements. Players wearing other brands must cover the logos to comply with uniform rules. Williams wore Caddix cleats in both penalized games without obscuring the manufacturer's mark.
Williams said on Wednesday that he does not intend to cover or black out the Caddix logo for the Bears' Monday game against the Seattle Seahawks. He has already appealed the Week 6 fine. A source indicated that Caddix will pay that fine if the appeal is unsuccessful.
Jack Rasmussen, the founder of Caddix, issued a statement regarding the penalty. He described the footwear as a safety product rather than a marketing choice. "From a safety metric perspective, Caleb's cleats are one of the safest pairs players can wear," Rasmussen said. "Regardless if this is a marketing fine or not, I'm happy to pay it."
Caddix was founded in 2015 and markets its cleats using patented SmartStuds technology. The company states the design flexes and releases during cutting and pivoting motions. This mechanism aims to reduce rotational torque transmitted through the foot, knees, and ankles. The company links this force to noncontact ACL tears and other lower-limb injuries.
Williams cited injury prevention as the primary reason for wearing the brand. He is one of an estimated 40 NFL players currently using Caddix cleats. He noted that his joints, ankles, knees, and feet have caused him less discomfort compared to other cleats he has worn.
Williams returned from a hamstring injury that kept him out for Weeks 3 through 5. He played in Week 6 against the Atlanta Falcons and in Week 7 against the New England Patriots. He became the first Bears quarterback since Mitchell Trubisky in 2018 to record back-to-back games with at least 300 passing yards.
Williams said he focuses on staying healthy to remain on the field. He described the cleats as science-based equipment that reduces tension on tendons and joints during hard plants on turf or grass. He believes consistent use over a long career or season can improve the odds of staying healthy.
Source: ESPN
