NFL players stood united in support of their most important causes. Specifically, they took part in the NFL’s “My Cause My Cleats” initiative in Weeks 12 and 13 of the season. This year marks the tenth anniversary of the initiative and accompanying competition. It allows competitors to wear specially designed cleats that showcase charities and causes important to them. Kelee Ringo, Rome Odunze, and Tyler Shough were the top performers of the bunch. Their emotional campaigns and deeply felt connections to their causes had a great effect.
Kelee Ringo’s cleats were a memorial to his mother, the late Tralee Hale-Ringo, who fought and lost her fight against breast cancer. As for Tralee, she was diagnosed with triple-negative ductal carcinoma, the most aggressive form of the disease. Her journey started less than a week after Ringo joined UGA’s football team in 2019. In accepting the invitation, he expressed how honored he was to wear the cleats. This was his personal means to give back to others affected by breast cancer. Ringo stated, “I feel like when you’re doing very well at something and you’re able to impact others that are going through or have gone through the same thing that you have, all it does is warm your heart.”
Support for Breast Cancer Research
Ringo’s motivation to advocate for breast cancer research stems from his mother’s diagnosis. Only nine days after he began training, she booked an appointment. She had to get examined for a visible lump that had been troubling her. Ringo shared that she was deeply affected by the ambiguity of her health. This drove him to advocate for the disease by using his cleats.
“The opportunity to support others who have faced similar battles is incredibly important to me,” Ringo continued. “It really gives me a sense of purpose on and off the field.” Currently, he’s helping lead the campaign to fund the V Foundation for Cancer Research. This organization is more visible during the period of V Week, which starts on December 2 and lasts until December 14.
Honoring Military Families
Shoe game OD Rome Odunze created a lot of buzz with his custom cleats honoring and supporting Operation Gratitude’s Battalion Buddy program. This nifty initiative and one like it involves sending teddy bears to the children of deployed military personnel, giving them comfort during tough times. Odunze’s connection to this cause is rooted in his family’s history. His grandmother served as a military nurse, inspiring him to give back.
“Honestly, I think it’s one of the best things the NFL does,” Odunze remarked about the campaign. He again underscored the need for players to support causes that speak to them on a personal level. Amazing right? I mean, it’s truly a win-win on both sides. The guys get to represent their favorite organizations and causes, and who doesn’t like wearing pretty, custom cleats.
Community Investments
Tyler Shough chose to raise awareness for local youth education and empowerment as his cause of choice. Playing for the New Orleans Saints, he expressed his belief that investing in opportunities for young people can profoundly impact their lives and strengthen the fabric of communities.
“I believe investing in education and opportunity for local youth can change lives and strengthen the city’s future,” Shough shared. He dons pink cleats to represent his dedication to the cause. Through this audacious move, he hopes to ignite the willingness of others to invest in like initiatives.
The “My Cause My Cleats” campaign not only showcases individual stories but reflects the collective commitment of NFL players to give back. By sharing their personal journeys and advocating for critical causes, these athletes shine a light on issues that matter both on and off the field.
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