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- calendar_today October 25, 2026
Caleb Williams Fined for Caddix Cleat Violation
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams has been fined $11,941 by the NFL for wearing cleats made by Caddix, a company backed by Hall of Famer Tom Brady. The fine was issued following the Bears’ game against the Falcons, when Williams wore the Caddix cleats featuring a visible gray logo. The NFL cited a uniform violation as the reason for the fine. Williams is expected to receive another fine after wearing the same brand's cleats during the team's win over the New England Patriots.
NFL Uniform Policy and Cleat Regulations
According to NFL policy, players are only permitted to wear cleats from the league's official partners—Nike, adidas, and Under Armour. Shoes from other brands can be worn only if their logos are fully covered. The NFL prohibits players from promoting non-partner brands during game days, including pre-game warmups and post-game media availability. The league emphasized that the rule was communicated to all players before the season began. Violations related to personal messages or unauthorized logos on equipment can result in fines, with the $11,941 amount specific to such infractions.
Caddix Cleats and Williams' Playing History
Caddix, a Baltimore-based sports equipment startup, claims its cleats use specialized studs designed to reduce non-contact knee and ankle injuries. Williams reportedly wore all-white Caddix cleats in the season's first two games, including the match in which he suffered a hamstring injury against the Vikings. However, the white color made the logo less visible and did not attract league attention. In contrast, the black cleats with a prominent gray logo worn against both the Falcons and Patriots led to the fine.
Performance on the Field
Despite the controversy over his footwear, Williams delivered strong performances in both fined games. He completed 75.4% of his passes for a total of 613 yards, three touchdowns, and no turnovers, resulting in a passer rating of 116.4. The Bears' win over the Patriots improved their record to 5-2 as they head into an extended break before facing the Seahawks on November 2.
Sponsorships and Support for Williams
Caleb Williams, selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, has yet to sign a shoe contract—a rarity for high-profile players at his position. Throughout his brief NFL career, he has worn a variety of brands, including both Nike and New Balance, returning to Nike for his debut season and occasionally afterward. Tom Brady, who is associated with Caddix and wore the brand's cleats during the Fanatics flag football event earlier in the year, has maintained a friendship with Williams and at times serves as a Fox commentator for Bears games.
Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco and 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk are among roughly 40 NFL players who, according to Caddix, have worn the company's cleats this season. Caddix CEO Jack Rasmussen has stated that the company will cover any fines that Williams incurs due to wearing their shoes.
Other NFL Fines Related to Uniform Policy
Uniform violations are not limited to footwear. The NFL's standard fine for various infractions—including use of a foreign substance on a player’s uniform, wearing noncompliant pads or facemasks, or improper use of visors—is $5,971. However, the higher fine of $11,941 specifically addresses visible unauthorized logos or personal messages.
In other disciplinary action stemming from the Falcons game, Bears wide receiver Jahdae Walker was fined $5,620 for each of two penalties: hitting Falcons punter Jake Bailey and headbutting wide receiver Chris Blair, resulting in his ejection from the game.
Caleb Williams has until October 30 to appeal his latest fine for the game against the Falcons.
Source: chicago.suntimes.com.
