Caddix, a cleat company founded by Jack Rasmussen in October 2023, is rapidly gaining attention in the NFL, with 49 players wearing its cleats during the first five weeks of the 2026 season. The company's unique selling point is its flexible stud design, which aims to reduce lower-body injuries by allowing the studs to deform and rotate under pressure, releasing torque that typically stresses knees and ankles. This innovation promises to maintain traction while enhancing athlete safety, an area Rasmussen believes has been neglected by mainstream footwear brands.

The Chicago Bears' quarterback Caleb Williams recently drew attention not only for wearing Caddix cleats but also for being fined because he displayed the brand's logo on the upper part of his shoes during a game. Rasmussen expressed respect for the NFL’s branding rules but noted that the league’s commercial considerations sometimes conflict with player health priorities. Williams’ fine ironically provided valuable visibility for Caddix, positioning the brand as a growing force within professional sports footwear.

Caddix cleats come in both men’s and women’s models tailored to various sports including football, men’s and women’s lacrosse, and women’s soccer. The company emphasizes comfort features such as a wider toe box, padding, and supportive plates, all designed to complement the flexible stud technology. The cleats also perform consistently on natural and artificial surfaces, making them versatile for professional athletes across disciplines.

Rasmussen, a former collegiate football player, continues collaborating with athletes, medical experts, and technologists to refine Caddix products. Today, over 100 pro athletes, including about 50 NFL players, wear their cleats, many reporting less joint stiffness and soreness after use. For Rasmussen, athlete feedback is crucial to innovation, and the recent NFL fine is seen as just part of the journey in building a product focused first and foremost on player health and performance.