Despite Fine Threat, Tennessee Titan Avery Williamson Wears 9/11 Cleats

NASHVILLE, TN — Tennessee Titans linebacker Avery Williamson, after initially saying he wouldn't, played Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings in commemorative cleats, risking a fine from the NFL for the unauthorized footwear.

Williamson warmed up in the standard-issue white cleats like the rest of his teammates, but played the game in the specially-made red, white and blue shoes emblazoned with "Never Forget" customized by a shop in Lexington, Ky., where Williamson played college football at the University of Kentucky.

When news emerged of Williamson's special shoes, he received a call for the NFL office that said he would be fined if he wore them in Sunday's contest. Once that threat became public, police unions in New York and New Jersey, as well as Williamson's teammates, said he would have plenty of help in paying any fine.