Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams returned to action in Week 6 and received an $11,941 NFL fine for wearing Caddix cleats without covering up the logo. The cleat brand then seized the opportunity to gain additional publicity by claiming it would pay Williams' fine because it strongly believes in the product. Now, Williams has spoken about his decision to wear the cleats and whether he'll continue to do so in future Bears games.
I'm huge into trying to stay on the field. I'm huge into trying to be healthy. It's a rough game and things like that, so the cleats they've been, they've been great.
They've been super comfy ... and they worked. They are a science type of cleat," Williams told reporters, also praising the cleats' "SmartStuds" technology that helps when making hard foot plants on the field. Williams explained that the cleat technology helps "take tension off of your tendons and your joints" while playing football.
He indicated that he believes they can help give a "higher chance of being healthy" on the field over the course of a year or a career. More news: NFL Insider: Titans RB is ‘More Likely’ Trade Than Jonathan Taylor Williams also said he has no plans to stop wearing the Caddix cleats when he plays, and noted that other NFL players have used them. "They're forward focused on making sure players stay on the field and that's what I'm focused on," the Bears quarterback said.
Like I said, I'm focused on my health. I'm focused on being able to be out here for the guys, and if that can get me a small percentage up and it works, then that's what I'm gonna do," Williams said. In Week 2 against the Minnesota Vikings, Bears fans feared the worst when Williams went down in agony after a non-contact injury.
He was carted off the field, gave a thumbs-up to the fans, and then missed three games while recovering from a hamstring tear. He returned to lead the Bears to a win over the Atlanta Falcons in Week 6 while wearing the cleats he was fined for. Williams then delivered a second straight win, helping Chicago beat Drake Maye and the New England Patriots in "Thursday Night Football" last week.
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