Joe Flacco might revolutionize the NFL at age 39 by wearing new cleats. It will be interesting to see, one, if they work and, two, how many other players follow suit.
There is real potential for the league (and sports as a whole) to make a huge step forward in the prevention of non-contact injuries like torn ACLs and various lower body sprains!
Flacco debuted the new kicks during his first game with the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.
The ‘Caddix Cleats’ are designed with ‘SmartStud’ technology that is designed to mitigate wear and tear on the ankles and knees. The on-field shoes are currently in the early stages of development and rollout but they could quite literally change the game in a really positive way.
Studs in/on a standard cleat are fixed to the sole. They don’t move.
Caddix is different in that way. Their cleats have some give to them. The studs move ever so slightly to reduce impact on the knees and ankles by decreasing rotational force before it moves up the leg. Take a look:
A fixed-foot position is not quite as fixed, which helps to prevent a tear by moving with the body. However, in terms of planting or cutting, you can’t feel a tangible difference.
Even though it was a very limited sample size, Flacco looked every bit himself during Week 1 of the preseason. He was not hindered by the new cleats. They just quietly offered him some extra protection.
Caddix introduced its cleats to the college level before the pros. And not just on the gridiron!
A few D-I soccer and lacrosse players are also on board with the movement.
Joe Flacco is the first NFL player to rock Caddix cleats on the field, but he won’t be the last. This new technology could be crucial to longevity and the league may soon issue a mandate if they work!