Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams says he will keep wearing unauthorized Caddix cleats despite fines
Williams, fined nearly $12,000 for using cleats with an unapproved logo, plans to continue wearing them, citing injury-prevention benefits.
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams said he will continue to wear Caddix cleats that feature an unauthorized logo, even though the NFL fined him $11,941 after the Week 6 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. The shoes are marketed as reducing ACL and ankle injuries by allowing the studs to rotate and release on contact, but Caddix does not have an official partnership with the league, making the logo display a violation of NFL equipment rules.
Williams, who has no endorsement agreement with Caddix, explained his decision by emphasizing the importance of staying healthy. > "I'm huge into my body. I'm huge into trying to stay on the field. I'm huge into trying to be healthy," he said. He added that reducing wear and tear on his lower body could improve his long-term health and performance.
The quarterback has worn the cleats throughout the preseason and in the first two regular-season games before missing time with a hamstring injury. He was fined only for the Week 6 appearance; images from the Week 7 game against the New England Patriots show him still using the shoes, and no additional fine has been publicly reported.
Other NFL players have also been spotted in Caddix cleats this season, according to a recent compilation of users.