Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams covered the logo on his Caddix cleats during the team's 34-17 win over the Seattle Seahawks on Monday, ending a two-week standoff with the NFL over uniform policy violations. Williams had been fined $11,941 in Week 6 and $23,882 in Week 7 for wearing the unapproved cleats without covering the brand logo, bringing the total to $35,823.
After the game, Williams said he complied "just to calm things down" and avoid creating a distraction for the team. "It was a big week and not here to create any B.S. towards the team. I want to keep that to a minimum from my side," he told reporters. The NFL permits only Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour logos on the field; players may wear other brands but must cover the logo. The league can also bar a player from participating for repeated violations.
Bears coach Ben Johnson expressed confidence in Williams' decision beforehand, saying, "He's all about the team and I know he's not going to hurt the team." Williams has worn Caddix cleats all season, citing their patented "SmartStuds" technology as safer and more comfortable. "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 last week.
Former NFL quarterback Joe Flacco, the first player to wear Caddix cleats in 2024, is now an investor in the company and offered to pay any fines Williams incurred. Caddix also offered to cover the fines, according to ESPN, meaning Williams may not lose any money despite the penalties.
