NFL Uniform Rules: Bears QB Caleb Williams Ditches Caddix Logos
The quarterback paid a $35,823 fine for brand visibility and switched to plain black cleats to avoid further league penalties.
By Marco Whitaker ·
Caleb Williams wore all-black, logo-less cleats during Monday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks. The Bears quarterback changed his footwear to settle a dispute with the NFL over brand visibility on the field. The league had previously fined him $35,823 for wearing Caddix cleats with noticeable logos in games against the Falcons and Patriots. That penalty resulted from a violation of the NFL’s exclusive partnerships with Nike, Under Armour, and adidas.
The league rulebook states that officials can bar a player from playing if they have a uniform violation. Bears head coach Ben Johnson said he was confident Williams would not do anything that would hurt the team before the Seattle contest. Williams chose to make peace with the league rather than dig in his heels. He avoided a potential move by the league to prevent him from taking the field.
Caddix, the brand in question, has capitalized on the marketing momentum of the situation. The company bought billboard space in Chicago advertising that it is paying Williams’ fines. When a video surfaced of Williams wearing his unmarked cleats in pre-game warmups, the company’s X account posted, “No logo necessary!” Caddix states that roughly 60 players are wearing its cleats this season. Williams has maintained that he believes in the company’s claim that the shoes reduce non-contact knee and ankle injuries.
Williams does not have an endorsement deal with Caddix or any other brand. He maintains this independence to keep freedom in choosing his gear. He has previously worn Nike and New Balance shoes during his career. In the preseason and his first two regular-season games, he wore an all-white version of the Caddix cleats. The logo did not stand out enough to trigger a reaction from the NFL during those initial appearances.
The Bears are also monitoring the market for backup quarterback Tyson Bagent. The team is unlikely to make more splashy trades after acquiring defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, though Khalil Mack remains a possibility. The Baltimore Ravens lost starter Lamar Jackson and backup Tyler Huntley this week. They may seek to avoid conceding their season while sitting at 4-4 in the AFC North. Former Bears assistant Declan Doyle serves as the Ravens’ offensive coordinator.
Several Titans defenders wore red arm sleeves in Sunday’s game against the Bengals. The gesture served as a tribute to Simmons, who started for the Bears in his debut. Solomon Thomas, a Titans defensive end, said the group wanted to let Jeff know they are thinking of him and love him. Thomas described Simmons as an unbelievable leader who works harder than any player he has seen.
Bears rookie cornerback Malik Muhammad missed Monday’s game due to a toe injury. It was the first game he missed this season. Muhammad has developed into a starter for the team.
