Bears QB Caleb Williams fined $23,882 over cleat logo for second week

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams owes the league $23,882 for cleats he wore in the win over the New England Patriots.

The NFL reported that the fine covers an "unauthorized logo" on a uniform element, a violation of league rules. Williams was docked just under $12,000 for the same issue the week before, and because this is his second offense, the penalty doubled to $23,882, according to the league. Reports on the fine, including one from Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio, put the amount above $23,000.

The cleats are made by Caddix, which Williams has worn all season. He wore a black version in the team's last two games without covering the company's logo, drawing fines in both. The NFL permits logos only from companies holding marketing rights with the league, such as Nike and Adidas. Williams said he will keep wearing the cleats, and covering the Caddix logo would end the fines.

Caddix says its cleats are built with "SmartStuds," which the company's website says are designed to "reduce rotational force on an athlete's knees and ankles." Williams said he wears them because he feels they give him a "higher chance of staying healthy." Caddix CEO Jack Rasmussen has offered to cover the league's penalties.

"Obviously Caleb believes in the product and sees value in wearing Caddix cleats. I'm happy to cover his fines if he's going to keep prioritizing his health," Rasmussen told NBC Chicago on Monday.

The Bears defeated the Patriots in the game where the latest fine was assessed. Williams was fined just under $12,000 the prior week for wearing the same black Caddix cleats during Chicago's matchup with the Dallas Cowboys. The league's policy on unauthorized logos applies to all uniform elements, and the fine schedule doubles penalties for repeat violations.