Bears QB Caleb Williams Handed $11k Punishment From NFL for Silly Reason

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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 22: Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears looks on prior to the game against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field on October 22, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams has seen just about everything when it comes to the media, fans, and even the league attacking him for his actions.

Seems like just about everyone has an opinion when it comes to him wearing nail polish, drinking matcha, and even the type of clothes he wears and the events he goes to in the offseason.

But now even the NFL is getting in on one of their superstars. According to Complex Sneakers, Williams was fined by the league over $11,000 for his Caddix cleats that he wore against the Atlanta Falcons for violating the NFL Uniform and Equipment Rules.

Bears QB Caleb Williams Handed $11k Punishment From NFL

I’m no expert when it comes to NFL cleats, but the likely reason why Caleb Williams is wearing Claddix cleats is that they provide more cushion and protection against injury, compared to standard NFL-approved cleats.

Regardless, it feels like a silly fine if the reason why Williams is wearing Claddix cleats is for the sake of trying to prevent another injury.

Complex Sneakers

@ComplexSneakers · Follow

Caleb Williams was fined by the NFL over $11K for his Caddix cleats he wore against the Atlanta Falcons for being in violation of the NFL Uniform and Equipment Rules.

📸: Getty

11:05 pm · 23 Oct 2026

4152 Reply Copy link Read 108 replies

Fans were quick to share their thoughts under Complex Sneakers’ post:

Pocket change for him. The @NFL should be ashamed of themselves. Fining guys for wearing cleats that provide more protection than the s*** Nike sells.” @JeffVL

“Because Caddix actually flex and keep your knees intact.” @DopeShotDan

“NO Fun League

” @antiliaan1987

“He was coming back from a three week hamstring injury. Maybe he chose those cleats for a medical reason?” @KanekaKeoki

Williams reposted the post by Complex Sneakers on X, along with this comment by user @RGcool2671

“No good reason other than NFL didnt get paid to allow it.

Reason for violation: Caddix lacks official NFL partner status (unlike Nike or Adidas), making their branding on cleats non-compliant regardless of performance; nearly 40 NFL players have worn the brand this season. Caddix features and response: The cleats use patented SmartStuds technology designed to reduce knee/ankle injury risk by flexing during cuts; the brand offered to cover fines, and Williams wore them again in Week 7 vs. the Patriots for continued publicity.”

Williams’ Comments After Patriots 30-24 Victory

After Williams defeated the Patriots 30-24, he had some comments on his teammates:

Williams on Luther Burden’s performance: “Luther’s a problem child and we want to keep getting the ball in his hands. I heard he’s 17 for 17 when the ball’s thrown to him so far this season.”

Williams on Cairo Santos’ 58-yard field goal: “I thought I could take the sack in that situation, keep the clock going. I’ll learn from it so when we get in that situation again. But that’s my guy, Cairo. We believe in each other. Cairo misses, cool, I got your back. When we don’t score, Cairo has our back. Coach trusted him, we trust him, and that’s who we are.”

Williams on Cole Kmet’s injury: “Cole’s been there for me every step of the way, through the first year, through the second year, and now through this year. I don’t have the words to describe what Cole is to me, what Cole is to this team. I’ll be right there with him through every step of whatever the injury is.”

The Bears will have a mini bye week as the next game won’t come until Monday, November 2nd on the road against the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks.