NFL caves to pressure, won't fine Titans for wearing pro-charity cleats

The NFL held a "My Cause/My Cleats" weekend for players last weekend, where players were able to wear cleats representing a charity of their choice.  Since the Tennessee Titans had a bye last weekend and did not have the option to participate, they requested to have their "My Cause/My Cleats" day on Sunday when they face the Denver Broncos at Nissan Stadium.

Initially, the NFL did not grant the team permission to wear individualized cleats. Several players on the Titans, including cornerback Jason McCourty and tight end Delanie Walker, decided they would wear their own cleats in spite of the ruling and risk facing a fine for non-compliance.

After national attention was drawn to the conflict, the NFL reversed their original decision and decided late Monday that they would allow the Titans and the Cleveland Browns— the other team who had a bye week—to wear specialty cleats, but ESPN reported that many Cleveland Browns players noted that it is likely too late to special order custom cleats at this point.

Titans linebacker Avery Williams wore special 9/11 tribute cleats during their game against the Minnesota Vikings on September 11 of this year and although reports originally said he would be fined, ultimately he was not.