There isn't a league that has stricter uniform rules than the NFL. And heading into Week 8, Bears quarterback Caleb Williams seems intent on defiantly challenging those rules.
Williams was fined $11,941 for wearing Caddix cleats with the logos displayed during the Bears' Week 6 win over the Falcons. And while Williams is appealing his fine, he continued to wear the same cleats in Week 7 against the Patriots.
The NFL has exclusive footwear deals with Nike, Adidas and Under Armour that limits players to those cleats if they want the branding displayed. Cleats from other companies either need to be without logos (like Josh Allen and Marvin Harrison Jr. with New Balance cleats) or have the brand markings covered.
According to ESPN, Williams intends
to continue wearing Caddix cleats with the logo visible. He said:
"[I'm] focused on my health. I'm focused on being able to be out here for the guys. And if that can give me a small percentage up and it works, then that's what I'm going to do."
What is Caddix?
Caddix is an 11-year-old speciality brand that manufactures cleats using "SmartStuds." The company claims that its technology reduces torque on the knees and ankles and could help prevent non-contact injuries.
Williams' unwillingness to cover the logo is especially surprising when the company says that it does not have any endorsement agreement with the Bears quarterback.
Caddix responded Caleb Williams’ $11K NFL fine, saying the Bears QB bought the cleats himself and has no endorsement deal with the brand. The brand will also cover the fine.
— Complex Sneakers (@ComplexSneakers) October 26, 2026
📸: Getty via: Linkedin pic.twitter.com/sL3YvwQf8E
Joe Flacco, who is an advisor for the company, said he would pay the fines for Williams if he continues to wear the cleats.
"If Caleb gets fined again for wearing Caddix, I'll pay the fine myself. I've worn these cleats for years, and I know firsthand the difference they make. When you're playing at this level, you need equipment you can trust. This isn't about making a statement or breaking the rules just to break them. It's about wearing gear that works for you and helps keep you safe on the field. If Caleb believes in Caddix the way I do, I'm happy to stand behind him."
It remains to be seen if the NFL's on-field observers threaten penalties against the Bears if Williams insists on wearing the cleats with the branding visible on Monday in Seattle. Caddix does have a hearing with the NFL next month to get league approval, according to ESPN.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Why Caleb Williams will continue to wear unapproved cleats despite NFL fines
