Caleb Williams arrived in Seattle with a different approach to the cleats controversy that had followed him throughout the week.

The Bears quarterback wore matte black Caddix cleats without a visible logo during Monday’s 34-17 victory over the Seahawks. Days earlier, he had indicated he would continue displaying the brand despite two NFL fines totaling $35,823. After the win, Williams explained why he changed course.

“Just to calm things down,” he said during his postgame press conference. “It was a big week and I’m not here to create any B.S. towards the team.”

Chicago had traveled to face the defending Super Bowl champions while incorporating newly acquired defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons. Williams wanted to limit the attention his footwear was drawing. His decision addressed the visible logo that prompted the fines. The earlier punishment, however, remains an issue he is contesting.

According to ESPN’s Josh Weinfuss, Williams has appealed his first fine and has a hearing scheduled for Nov. 10. A source told ESPN he is also expected to appeal the second.

That leaves two developments moving alongside each other: Williams complied with the logo requirement in Seattle while continuing his effort to overturn an earlier penalty.

The distinction matters because Williams can wear Caddix cleats in NFL games. As ESPN reported, the company passed league testing in May 2025 and received approval earlier this year as a non-licensed footwear provider.

The restriction concerns the branding. Nike, Adidas and Under Armour have licensing agreements allowing their logos to appear on players’ footwear. Other brands must have their logos concealed.

Williams received an $11,941 fine for displaying the Caddix logo against Atlanta in Week 6. The penalty increased to $23,882 after he wore it visibly again against New England the following week. By removing the visible branding Monday, he kept his preferred footwear while addressing the uniform requirement.

That decision also followed the expectation Ben Johnson expressed before the trip.

“He’s all about the team, and I know he’s not going to hurt the team,” the Bears coach said when asked about the situation.

Williams’ explanation after the victory was consistent with that assessment. He recognized the attention surrounding him and chose to reduce a potential distraction before an important game. ESPN’s reporting also provides more context for why he has become attached to these particular cleats.

The process began through his longtime quarterback coach, Tom Gormely. After Williams explored his footwear options without signing an endorsement agreement, Gormely connected with Caddix founder Jack Rasmussen.

Williams subsequently tested the cleats during offseason workouts, offering feedback as he ran and changed direction. Rasmussen traveled to Jacksonville in June to meet him and complete adjustments to the design. By the time the fines became a public story, Williams had already spent months evaluating what he wanted to wear.

He has said his feet, ankles and knees have felt better in Caddix than in some previous footwear. The company markets its flexible studs as a way to reduce rotational forces during changes of direction. Those are the company’s claims and Williams’ personal observations, rather than proof that the shoes prevented a particular injury.

His decision in Seattle allowed him to continue using a product he trusts without displaying its logo.

Caddix and investor Joe Flacco have offered to pay his fines, although those offers do not establish that either penalty has been paid. Williams’ appeal will provide the next scheduled development.

For the Bears, Monday’s immediate concern was football. Williams completed 24 of 34 passes for 247 yards and a touchdown, helping Chicago improve to 6-2 against one of the league’s toughest defenses.

The footwear attracted considerably less attention than his performance. That was the outcome Williams wanted, even with another decision on the earlier fine still ahead.