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December 10, 2021
Hundreds of NFL players showcased the causes that are most important to them during the sixth season of the league’s “My Cause My Cleats” player initiative. As part of the campaign, players worked with artists and cleat manufacturers to create custom-painted, cause-inspired cleats (athletic shoes) to wear on the field to raise awareness for various non-profit organizations and social issues.
Beyond Sport Founding Supporter, the NFL, has run the campaign since 2016 to celebrate the positive impact that players have made in communities across the United States and to provide them with a platform to highlight the cause-related work they are passionate about on the field. 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 example, inspired by the women in his life, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is using the initiative to advocate for women in sports. “My mom [Pamela], she raised me with high character and to do things the right way. She’s a counselor back home [in Houston, Texas] and that’s a perfect platform to impact the people around you, to impact kids around you,” he stated.
“I have a sister [Kynnedy] that’s going to be a senior in high school next year and I know she has dreams and aspirations to do special things in her life, whatever it is. And I want her to know that she can do anything she puts her mind to, and know that her brother has her back.”
My Cause My Cleats is the one weekend of the season where players can wear shoes that are not team-specific and within the NFL’s uniform rules. It kicked off its on November 26 with promotional material highlighting the breadth of causes that NFL players support and their commitment to making an impact in their communities. Across the league, 17% of players selected cancer research causes, 16% selected causes related to social justice and 14% are raising awareness on disease prevention.
“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 make a difference and this program allows them to share their passions with the world.”
Following Week 13 games, hundreds of players donated their cleats to the NFL Auction where 100% of the funds raised will be given to their selected charities. Fans can also bid at NFL.com/Auction.
Learn more about each player’s cause by visiting NFL.com/mycausemycleats.
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