My Cleats My Cause: Record Number of NFL Players Participate

NEW YORK, NY – A record number of more than 1,000 NFL players showed their support for non-profit organizations and causes close to their hearts as they hit the gridiron on Sunday sporting decorated cleats in the league’s fifth consecutive My Cleats My Cause campaign while highlighting efforts to help make a difference in communities across the country.

The player-led campaign began in 2016 and has since provided a platform to bring causes they are most passionate about to the forefront on game day. Players worked closely with artists and cleat manufacturers to create their custom-designed cleats and wore them during the pre-game warmups of their Week 13 match-ups.

"My Cause My Cleats was created out of conversations with NFL players who wanted an opportunity to shed light on causes that mean the most to them," said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. "Season after season I am inspired by the growing number of NFL players that participate in My Cause My Cleats and the causes they represent. Each player has a story to tell and we are grateful for the impact they make in the communities in which they live and work, and society in general."

This year's causes include topics such as tackling social injustice, supporting families in the wake of COVID-19, and bridging the digital divide.

A breakdown on the non-profit organizations and causes players chose to supported this year includes:

· Social Justice

· Youth

· Health & Wellness

· Cancer Awareness & Prevention

· Military

· Mental Health

Reigning Super Bowl LIV MVP and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes discussed his charity – 15 and the Mahomies Foundation in a television spot that launched on Sunday.

“I wanted to give kids the same opportunities that I got growing up,” explained Mahomes. “They’re our future and I know that there are so many great kids out there that have so many different ideas and inspirations. I want to be able to give them their opportunity so they can go out there and improve this world every single day.”

Mahomes enlisted the help of a few lucky children at the Thornberry Boys and Girls Club in Kansas City to design the cleats he wore on the field prior to the Chiefs 22-16 win over the Denver Broncos on Sunday Night Football.

Fifteen-year-old Taryn Lewis said that she was both surprised and excited on the opportunity.

“I got excited because for one, it’s Patrick Mahomes,” she explained. “He’s one of the best quarterbacks I’ve ever seen. And because I’m really into art.”

Established in 2019, 15 and the Mahomies is dedicated to improving the lives of children. The Foundation supports initiatives that focus on health, wellness, communities in need of resources and other charitable causes.

Additional television spots will continue through Week 14 featuring Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle Kelvin Beachum, who will support the Players Coalition, and Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who will represent both the Equal Justice Initiative and Lifewater International.

NFL Network will also air features highlighting the charitable efforts of Mahomes, Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews, Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald, also to premiere during Week 13.

Players also have the option to raise funds for their cause of choice through auctioning their cleats on NFL Auction where 100% of funds raised will be donated to the charities they select. Click here for a full list of the 2020 My Cause My Cleats Player Supported Causes sorted by team.

Fans may bid on player cleats at NFL.com/Auction and help raise funds for the causes nearest to their hearts. To learn more about each player's cause visit http://www.nfl.com/mycausemycleats.