Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams has been fined $11,941 by the NFL for wearing Caddix cleats with an unauthorized logo during the team's Week 6 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. The league permits only Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour logos on the field, but Williams has worn the Caddix model all season and says the cleats' patented "SmartStuds" technology reduces stress on his tendons and joints, helping him stay healthy.
Despite the penalty, Williams stated he will not switch shoes, emphasizing that the cleats are "smart cleats, they're science cleats, and they've been working for me." The SmartStuds flex and release under load, allowing quicker stud release during cuts and pivots, which the company claims lowers injury risk over a long season.
Former Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco, who first wore Caddix cleats in 2024 and is now an investor in the company, has offered to cover any future fines Williams incurs for wearing them. "If Caleb gets fined again for wearing Caddix, I'll pay the fine myself," Flacco said, adding that the cleats make a tangible difference in player safety.
As of October 2026, more than 60 NFL players are using Caddix cleats, up from just one player in 2024. The NFL typically allows unapproved cleats if the logo is covered, so a possible compromise could involve Williams taping over the Caddix branding.
