NFL docks Bears’ Caleb Williams $11K after Patriots win

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NFL docks Bears’ Caleb Williams $11K after Patriots win

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Dan Fappiano | Last updated Oct 26, 2026 4:06 PM ET

The Chicago Bears are still basking in the glow of their 30-24 victory over the New England Patriots. However, quarterback Caleb Williams’ pockets are now feeling lighter despite the win.

The NFL has fined Williams $11,941 for wearing Caddix brand clears. Since Caddix isn’t an official partner with the league, Chicago’s quarterback got hit with a fine. The league will likely look into imposing an even higher bill with Williams wearing the Caddix cleats twice, via Jason Lieser of the Chicago Sun-Times.

As Lieser notes, Williams has been wearing Caddix cleats all season. But in his first two games, they were all white, with the logo not visible. Wearing black cleats in Week 6 and 7 exposed the logo and led the league fines.

The Bears have gone 2-0 with Williams back under center. And it’s clear the quarterback enjoys wearing Caddix. There’s a chance his NFL fine saga is far from over.

Caddix backs Bears star Caleb Williams

Oct 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) walks on the sideline during the third quarter of their game against the New York Jets at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

Caddix cleats have a technology called SmartStuds, which are meant to help limit non-contact injuries. The studs are able to rotate depending on how the player is cutting on turf, taking less pressure off of the knee and ankles. Seeing as Williams was recently rehabbing a hamstring injury, his lower-body health has become an even higher priority.

As for his wallet’s health, Caddix CEO Jack Rasmussen has stated the company will pay any of Williams’ fines. While the quarterback isn’t technically endorsed, Caddix wanted to do right by him after he supported the brand.

“Caleb didn’t sign a deal with us. We have not paid him and are not paying him,” Rasmussen wrote. “He bought our cleats because they’re the only ones built with SmartStuds

to release under injurious load, reducing the force responsible for non-contact knee and ankle injuries.”

“So here’s our position: Caddix will cover Caleb’s fines,” he concluded.

What Williams has on his feet in Week 8 has suddenly become a storyline. But if it’s Caddix, he – and Rasmussen – should expect another bill from the NFL.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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