Coming into the 2026 season, the Chicago Bears would have been hoping that star quarterback Caleb Williams would take another leap. Williams improved a ton in 2025 in his first season working with Ben Johnson, and he has continued that growth so far in 2026. Now, he looks like one of the future stars of the NFL.
Unfortunately for Williams, his 2026 season was interrupted in Week 2 when he suffered a hamstring injury that caused him to miss three games. Since he has been back, he has been wearing Caddix cleats, which are designed to be easier on your legs and prevent injuries. Despite the good intentions, the NFL fined him nearly $12,000 for wearing unapproved cleats.
Williams doesn't care about the fine. On Wednesday, he revealed that he is willing to take the fine and will continue to wear Caddix cleats to maximize his ability to stay on the field, via Ari Meirov.
“They are a science-type of cleat. It’s something that focuses on when you plant on the hard plants on turf or grass, they call them SmartStuds, and they move when you move,” Williams said. “They take tension off of your tendons, your joints and all of that. …
“I’m focused on being able to be out here for the guys. And if that can give me a small percentage up and it works, then that’s what I’m gonna do.”
Williams is essential to the Bears' hopes of chasing a Super Bowl this season and over the next decade, so it comes as no surprise to see both him and the team prioritizing his health. Caddix, despite not sponsoring Williams, has said that it will pay his fine, at least for the first week.
Article Continues BelowThe former No. 1 overall pick is having the best season of his career so far in 2026 and has the Bears off to a 5-2 start. In four games, he has completed 71% of his passes for 1,020 yards and five touchdowns with just one interception. He also has two rushing touchdowns.
Williams will have another chance to show off his skills on Monday Night Football in Week 8 against the Seattle Seahawks.