Caleb Williams says he will continue wearing unauthorized cleats during games despite $12,000 fine

How significant are Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams’ new cleats? Significant enough that the star was willing to pay around $12,000 every game to continue wearing them.

Williams, who was fined $11,941 for displaying an “unauthorized logo” on his cleats during the team’s Week 6 win over the Atlanta Falcons, said Wednesday that he intends to continue wearing his cleats for the rest of the season.

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These cleats, made by a company called Caddix, were designed with the goal of reducing ACL and ankle injuries through the way their cleats rotate and break off on a surface.

The problem is that Caddiz does not have an agreement with the NFL. For this reason, the company logo cannot be displayed by players during games.

Williams, who does not have a sponsorship deal with Caddix, praised the cleats Wednesday and said he plans to continue wearing them because he believes in the science behind the cleats.

“I’m very committed to my body. I’m very committed to trying to stay on the field. I’m very committed to trying to be healthy,” Williams said. “It’s a tough game.”

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After explaining how the shoes work, Williams said he wants to continue wearing the cleats because he sees the importance of reducing wear and tear on his body during his career.

“Over the course of a long career or over the course of a long year, when you can take a certain percentage, it could be one, it could be 50, it could be 12, it could be anything. When you take that percentage out consistently over a period of time, you have a chance, a greater chance of being healthy. That’s what I’m focused on. I’m trying to be healthy.”

Williams added that his lower body hasn’t bothered him as much this season, which was part of the reason he decided to continue wearing the cleats.

The quarterback wore unauthorized shoes throughout the preseason and in Weeks 1 and 2 before injuring his hamstring. So far, he has only been fined for wearing the Caddix cleats in Week 6. Footage from the team’s Week 7 game against the New England Patriots also shows Williams wearing the cleats. As of Thursday, he had not received a fine from the NFL, at least none that was publicly acknowledged.

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Williams is far from the only player to wear Caddix cleats this season. Complex has compiled a list of different players who have used the cleats in 2026.

While Williams’ fines could add up quickly if the NFL decides to press the issue, it doesn’t appear the quarterback has to worry about that. After hearing about the fine, Caddix CEO Jack Rasmussen reportedly offered to pay Williams’ fines. Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco, who has worn the Caddix cleats for some time now, told ESPN that he is also willing to pay Williams’ fine the next time the NFL comes calling.