CHICAGO — The NFL has docked Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams $11,941 for the cleats he wore in Atlanta, ruling that the shoes broke league uniform and equipment rules because they carried a logo the league has not approved.
The league notified Williams by letter on Oct. 20 about the penalty, which covers the Bears game against the Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Oct. 18. The problem was not the shoe itself but the branding on it. The cleats are made by Caddix, a smaller footwear company that is not one of the NFL equipment partners such as Nike, adidas and Under Armour.
The fine does not appear to have changed his choice. Williams was again seen in Caddix cleats on Thursday night at Soldier Field, where Chicago beat the New England Patriots, raising the chance of more penalties.
Caddix pitches its cleats as a safety product. The company says its studs are built to give and release when a player plants and turns, which it says lowers the twisting force that can tear knee ligaments. It says about 40 NFL players now wear its cleats, and former quarterback Tom Brady endorsed the brand in March.
Company chief executive Jack Rasmussen said in a statement that Williams believes in the product and that Caddix is glad to pay his fines if he keeps putting his health first.
Williams, now in his third season, has never announced a shoe deal. He has worn Nike and New Balance in the past, unlike most top draft picks, who sign with one of the league partners early in their careers.
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