Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams has defended his decision to wear Caddix cleats during games, even though the brand is not among the NFL's official footwear partners. The league permits only Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour as authorized on-field shoe providers.
Williams was fined thousands of dollars for wearing the unauthorized cleats, including during the Bears' game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on October 18, 2026. Despite the penalties, the quarterback remains committed to wearing the Caddix brand.
The NFL's equipment rules require players to use approved gear from league partners. Violations typically result in fines that increase with repeated offenses. Williams' stance highlights ongoing tension between player preference and league sponsorship agreements.
