CHICAGO — Bears quarterback Caleb Williams has drawn a second NFL fine for wearing cleats from Caddix, a small Baltimore company that is not one of the league’s approved shoe partners, and the company says it will cover the cost.
The newest penalty, $23,882, came Thursday for the Week 7 victory over New England. Williams was docked $11,941 for the same uniform violation in Week 6 against Atlanta. League rules allow visible logos only from Nike, Adidas and Under Armour unless other branding is covered.
Williams, 24, has appealed the first fine and said this week he will keep wearing the shoes without taping over the logo. He has said he picked them on his own, with no endorsement deal, because of their focus on preventing injuries after he returned from a hamstring problem.
Caddix makes what it calls smart studs, which move and rotate to soak up force at the ground before it travels to the ankle, knee and hip. The company was started in a garage in 2023 and has topped $3 million in lifetime sales.
Its founder offered to pay the fines and the company put up billboards around Chicago telling the quarterback it would pick up the tab. The founder has said the attention has already boosted sales.
The 5-2 Bears play next on Monday night at Seattle.
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