Joe Flacco is making it clear he’s willing to back Caleb Williams all the way in the quarterback’s fight over cleats.
Williams, the Chicago Bears quarterback, was fined more than $35,000 for wearing Caddix cleats in back-to-back weeks. Flacco, who is an investor in the company, said he would cover the penalty himself if it happens again.
"If Caleb gets fined again for wearing Caddix, I’ll pay the fine myself," Flacco said. "I’ve worn these cleats for years, and I know firsthand the difference they make. When you’re playing at this level, you need equipment you can trust."
He doubled down on that point in a second quote.
"This isn’t about making a statement or breaking the rules just to break them," Flacco continued. "It’s about wearing gear that works for you and helps keep you safe on the field. If Caleb believes in Caddix the way I do, I’m happy to stand behind him.
The company has also jumped into the conversation, putting up a billboard in Chicago in support of Williams. The whole thing has turned into a strange NFL sideshow centered on a pair of cleats.
The league says Williams’ cleats were unauthorized, even as Flacco says he has worn the same brand for years. Williams has already dealt with an injury this season, which only adds another layer to the debate over whether a player should be fined for trying to use footwear he trusts.
From Flacco’s point of view, the punishment is too much for something this small. And with the attention this has drawn, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the fine gets appealed and Williams is back in the cleats the next time he plays.
For now, Flacco and Caddix are standing firm.
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