Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman could face a potential fine from the NFL for wearing red, white, and blue cleats against the Green Bay Packers.

Most players would be outraged about the fine, but not Norman. Following Carolina's 37-29 victory over the Packers that improved the team's record to 8-0, the Panthers corner had this to say: 

"First and foremost, I thank God for allowing me to play for the troops this game," Norman said. "They gave up their lives so we can have freedom in this world and the United States of America. There is nothing greater than that.

"I just wanted to come out and pay homage to them, the proud and the brave. I wore my shoes today. I may get fined for it, but it is what it is, the price we pay for freedom. I'll take that any day."

Norman's custom made Adidas cleats he wore against the Packers on Sunday had "proud, brave" displayed on the side. They did not display the Panthers color scheme and therefore is in violation of the NFL's uniform policy.

This isn't the first time Norman has been fined this season. In week one against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Panthers corner "taunted" Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles en route to a 30-yard interception for a touchdown. Norman would be fined $8,681 by the NFL following his actions.

Norman had previously been fined $11,000 last season for violating the uniform policy, as he wore silver cleats against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 13.

"Big ups to them and everything they do for our country," Norman said of the military. "I can't be proud enough to be an American citizen."

Newman is expecting to donate his cleats to the USO of North Carolina or South Carolina where the will be auctioned off to charity.

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About the author
Joey Pona
Amateur writer on the NHL and NFL