NFL players across the league will showcase the causes that are most important to them on the field through the My Cause My Cleats initiative.
In its sixth consecutive season, players will wear custom-painted, cause-inspired cleats to raise awareness for various non-profit organizations and causes.
My Cause My Cleats games begin today and NFL clubs and players will continue to unveil cause-inspired cleats throughout the week.
Since its inception in 2016, this player-led campaign has provided a platform to bring causes to the forefront on gameday.
This year’s causes include topics such as tackling social injustice, supporting youth, addressing mental health, raising awareness for disability research, and empowering veterans.
For this year’s initiative, 17% of players selected cancer research causes, 16% selected causes related to social justice, while 14% of players will raise awareness for additional disease prevention.
Players worked with artists and cleat manufacturers to create their custom-designed cleats and will wear them during Week 13 games.
NFL teams without a home game during Week 13 may also activate during Week 14 or 15. You can see all of the causes players are representing here.
“‘My Cause My Cleats’ allows players to shine a light on the causes they hold dear and the incredible work they do to help others year-round,” said NFL COMMISSIONER ROGER GOODELL.
“We are grateful and humbled by their commitment to making a difference and this program allows them to share their passions with the world.”
On Nov. 26, the league kicked off its My Cause My Cleats promotional efforts with a television commercial that highlighted the breadth of causes that NFL players support and their commitment to making an impact in their communities.
The 90-second spot featured DEVIN MCCOURTY of the New England Patriots, CHRIS GODWIN of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, JARVIS LANDRY of the Cleveland Browns, and TAVON WILSON of the San Francisco 49ers.
Starting today, Los Angeles Rams Quarterback MATTHEW STAFFORD will call attention to acoustic neuroma through a television spot focusing on his wife’s healthcare journey and support of the Acoustic Neuroma Association.
Additional television spots will continue through Week 13 and will feature Pittsburgh Steelers Running Back NAJEE HARRIS’ commitment to addressing homelessness through his Da’ Bigger Picture Foundation, as well as Indianapolis Colts Running Back NYHEIM HINES’ support of the Muscular Dystrophy Association driven by his mother’s personal fight against the disease.
These spots all aim to provide a deeper look at the personal meaning behind the causes these players are choosing to support through My Cause My Cleats.
NFL Network will also air features highlighting the charitable efforts of various players and their chosen causes.
These features will kick off with last night’s Thursday Night Football first look at Saints Lineman RYAN RAMCZYK sharing the story of his work bringing light to post-adoption support.
QUINNEN AND QUINCY WILLIAMS, brothers on theNew York Jets, will talk about how they are using their cleats to highlight cancer awareness after losing their mother.
Los Angeles Rams tight end TYLER HIGBEE and punter JOHNNY HEKKER will speak to their work with the Special Olympics, while Cleveland Browns defensive back DENZEL WARD will honour his father’s legacy by focusing on heart health.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver JUSTIN JEFFERSON share the story of his work with the Northside Achievement Zone, followed by Los Angeles Chargers quarterback JUSTIN HERBERT describing his work with Fuel Up to Play 60, a national health and wellness program created by America’s Dairy Farmers and the NFL, and Beyond the Bell, an afterschool program with the Los Angeles Unified School District.
NFL Network’s coverage of My Cause My Cleats will conclude with Cincinnati Bengals tight end C.J. UZOMAH shedding light on the importance of preventing driving while impaired.
Following Week 13 games, hundreds of players will donate their cleats by auctioning them on NFL Auction where 100% of funds raised will be donated to the charities they select.
Fans may bid on these cleats at NFL.com/Auction. To learn more about each player’s cause visit NFL.com/mycausemycleats.