Courtesy of the NFL
Each year, NFL players lace up for charitable causes during Weeks 13 and 14 to take the field in fully customized cleats designed to support causes close to their hearts. Since its launch in 2016, NFL players across the league have used their platform to shine a light on organizations across the nation. From fighting childhood illnesses to supporting the military, the My Cause My Cleats initiative has provided athletes with the ability to use their influence beyond the game to champion charitable organizations, raise awareness for social issues, and share personal stories through their cleats.
With each yard, players use their cleats as canvases for change and not only drive down the field but also drive action toward meaningful causes. Below, we highlight ten designs from this past season.
DK Metcalf
This year, Seattle Seahawks wide receiver, DK Metcalf, supported two organizations, Prison Fellowship, and SOUND with the help of AWS and their generative AI program. The organization SOUND provides suppoprt for the deaf community (among many other initiatives) and reached out to Metcalf following his iconic “Standing On Business” touchdown celebration. Prison Fellowship, a nonprofit that serves current and formerly incarcerated individuals and their families was also highlighted on the field this year.
Courtesy of the Seattle Seahawks
Josh Allen
This season’s NFL MVP, partnered with AWS and their powerful generative AI program, as well as two young fans from Oishei Children’s Hospital, Bella and Blake, to create a colorful explosion of creativity and inspiration. The video of Josh Allen making these shoes with those kids was enough for him to get my vote for MVP!
Courtesy of the Buffalo Bills
Cooper DeJean
Former Iowa Hawkeye, Cooper DeJean, supported the Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital this year with a colorful pair of cleats!
Courtesy of the Philadelphia Eagles
Jonathan Jones
The New England Patriots cornerback Jonathan Jones’ non-profit, Next Step Foundation, collaborated with Play Like A Girl this season to create a vibrant cleat! As Jones said, “Play Like a Girl inspires confidence and breaks barriers, showing young girls they can excel in any field - whether it’s science, technology, or the playing field,” and not only are these shoes making a statement with empowering girls through sports and STEM, but you couldn’t miss Jonathan on the field in bright yellow!
Courtesy of the NFL
Jake Elliott
This past season, Philadelphia Eagles kicker, Jake Elliot, sported one of my personal favorites this season, as he supported Street Tails Animal Rescue, a non-profit dog rescue in the Philadelphia area. As a kicker, all eyes are on Elliot’s feet, and his shoes definitely sent a message while helping out an important organization.
Courtesy of the Philadelphia Eagles
Christian Gonzalez
During the offseason, New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez experienced the heartbreaking loss of his former college teammate and close friend, Keith Miller III. In his search for a meaningful way to honor Keith’s memory, Gonzalez discovered the KyleCares Foundation - a nonprofit dedicated to eliminating student self-harm and suicide by fostering school environments where students and their caregivers feel empowered to seek help without shame or hesitation.
Gonzalez felt an immediate connection after attending a KyleCares event at a local high school and learning about their mission. “It was a no-brainer for me to partner with them and honor my friend Keith,” he shared. “He was always the light of the room, and this is my way of paying my respects and keeping his name alive.”
Courtesy of the New England Patriots
Tucker Kraft
As a tight end for the Green Bay Packers, Tucker Kraft makes a splash in the NFL. He made sure not to forget his roots with his cleat design this season. His roots are why he chose the local nonprofit, Cheyenne River Youth Project, as he grew up in the small town of Timber Lake, South Dakota, located on the Cheyenne River Reservation for the NFL’s “My Cause My Cleats” initiative. The Cheyenne River Youth Project is a grassroots, Native-American, and woman-led nonprofit organization dedicated to providing Lakota youth with access to a vibrant and more secure future.
Courtesy of the Green Bay Packers
Maxx Crosby
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end, Maxx Crosby, represented ‘Pits for Pets’ as he took the field this year with a little help from NFL partner AWS. Crosby’s cleats highlight an organization close to his heart, Stand Up For Pits Foundation, which specializes in educating and saving the lives of pit bull “type” dogs. Maxx has dedicated lots of his time off the field to be a much-needed voice for these wrongly vilified inherently good dogs.
Courtesy of the Las Vegas Raiders
Deebo Samuel
This season, Deebo Samuel, a wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers, chose to highlight the Student Program for Academic & Athletic Transitioning (SPAAT), a nonprofit dedicated to helping student-athletes succeed in college, careers, and life beyond sports.
Courtesy of the San Francisco 49ers
Ben Vansumeren
This season, linebacker Ben Vansumeren for the Philadelphia Eagles supported the American Cancer Society in a custom cleat with an extra sentimental touch for his mom. His personalized design not only champions a worthy cause but also reflects the deeply personal connection that drives his advocacy, reminding us all that sports can serve as a platform for heartfelt change.
Courtesy of the Philadelphia Inquirer
Over the years, the NFL has proved to be more than just X’s and O’s. The league has transcended the boundaries of the gridiron, emerging as a catalyst for social change. Through initiatives like My Cause My Cleats, where over 1,000 players have proudly showcased their commitment and brought a spotlight to charitable organizations - the NFL and its players have demonstrated their dedication to using sports as a force of good.
Edited by Elle Chavis
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