“My Cause, My Cleats” NFL Campaign is a Great Success
The “My Cause, My Cleats” campaign allows NFL players to raise awareness and money for charities of their choice. They participate in this worthy venture by wearing custom cleats during Week 13 games. The game broadcasters and camera crews promote many of the players’ cleats and causes. Each pair of cleats is then auctioned on NFL.com/Auction with 100 percent of the proceeds going to each player’s charity.
This creative cause began in 2016 with over 500 players participating. The success of that week and the money raised persuaded the league to bring it back this year. According to the NFL, over 800 players were involved this time around. Hopefully it will continue to enjoy great success.
Aaron Donald’s cleats Photo courtesy: Jeff Lewis/Los Angeles Rams
“One of the great NFL traditions is how our players passionately support important causes in their communities and around the globe every year,” said NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. “They are incredibly creative by nature so we are not surprised how they are seizing the opportunity this week with inspiring expressions of their charitable commitments on their cleats, online and through social media.”
Since I’m a die-hard Los Angeles Rams fan, I chose to highlight Aaron Donald and his charity of choice, the Make a Wish Foundation. This organization believes that “granting wishes to kids with life-threatening medical conditions gives them more than an amazing experience. A wish come true has the power to make kids feel stronger, more courageous, and more determined to overcome their illnesses.”
In addition to raising awareness and money for great charities, I believe the “My Cause, My Cleats” campaign is also helping the NFL’s reputation. Some players’ refusal to stand during the National Anthem (in protest mainly of racial inequality and police brutality) has caused many people to boycott NFL games this year.
I love the idea and the name of this meaningful movement. One of the reasons I pursued public relations was because I love compelling campaigns that promote causes such as this one. To learn more about this campaign, visit nfl.com/mycausemycleats.