NFL Fines Caleb Williams $23,882 for Second Uniform Violation

The NFL issued a $23,882 fine to Caleb Williams for wearing Caddix cleats during Week 7, doubling his previous penalty.

The NFL fined Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams $23,882 for wearing Caddix cleats during a Week 7 game, a source confirmed to ESPN on Thursday. This penalty is double the $11,941 fine issued to the rookie for wearing the same footwear in Week 6. The league classifies the use of these cleats as a uniform violation because the brand contains an unauthorized logo.

League partnerships for footwear are restricted to Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour. Players choosing other brands must cover or black out the logos to avoid discipline. Williams stated on Wednesday that he does not intend to obscure the Caddix branding for Chicago’s upcoming Monday night game against the Seattle Seahawks. The quarterback has already appealed the initial Week 6 fine, and Caddix founder Jack Rasmussen indicated the company would pay the penalties if the appeals are unsuccessful.

Williams returned to the field in Week 6 following a three-game absence due to a hamstring injury. In his first two games back against the Atlanta Falcons and New England Patriots, he became the first Bears quarterback since Mitchell Trubisky in 2018 to throw for at least 300 yards in consecutive contests.

Approximately 40 NFL players currently utilize Caddix footwear, which features "SmartStuds" technology designed to reduce rotational torque and prevent noncontact ACL tears. Williams cited injury prevention as his primary motivation for wearing the cleats, noting they have reduced strain on his ankles and knees compared to other brands he has worn throughout his career.