The NFL is facing backlash over its player-safety priorities after Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams was fined $11,941 for wearing cleats from a footwear brand that claims to reduce non-contact injuries.
Williams was penalized under the league’s uniform and equipment rules for wearing Caddix cleats during Chicago’s Week 6 win over the Atlanta Falcons. Sports podcaster Tony Farmer slammed the NFL for their decision on X on Monday.
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“You can’t make this up,” Farmer tweeted. “The league can’t keep claiming to care about player safety while increasing international games, the number of games each season and fining players for wearing equipment that prevents injuries.”
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“Caleb has no endorsement deal with the shoe company. He was apparently just wearing them to decrease his injury risk. So no punishment in the Jalen Hurts blood clot situation, but an $11k fine when he wears equipment to protect himself. Got it.”
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According to Complex Sneakers, Williams purchased the cleats himself and has no endorsement deal with Caddix. The company has offered to cover the fine on his behalf.
Jalen Hurts was diagnosed with a blood clot in his calf before playing against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. Further testing later revealed blood clots in his lungs, ending his season. The NFL defended the Eagles’ medical staff, but the NFL and NFLPA later announced a joint review of the situation.
Caleb Williams fires back at critics after leading the Bears to back-to-back wins
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams addressed the criticism he faced during his three-game absence with a Grade 2 hamstring strain suffered in Week 2 against the Minnesota Vikings.
Speaking about the jokes surrounding his recovery, Williams said the backlash had worked as additional motivation.
“My character has been attacked… for a while. And so, it’s just another motivating factor when I get out there and get going again,” Williams said.
Williams returned in Week 6 to help Chicago beat the Atlanta Falcons before leading the Bears to a 30-24 win over the New England Patriots in Week 7. He completed 75.4% of his passes across those two starts, recording consecutive 300-yard passing performances.
Edited by Nishant
