As a football fan, you love cheering on your favorite team and appreciate the players’ physical prowess on the field. But the NFL isn’t just devoted to sports; it’s also committed to making a difference in local communities.

Since it was founded in 1973, the NFL Foundation has donated more than $300 million to charity and the organization draws attention to worthy causes throughout the year.

However, Weeks 13 and 14 of football season are different. During these two weeks, individual players and coaches are able to draw attention to some of their favorite causes through the NFL’s “My Cause, My Cleats” campaign.

A Worthy Cause

Through the “My Cause, My Cleats” campaign, NFL players and coaches choose a charity that is important to them as an individual. The charity and its cause are then represented on custom designed cleats and sneakers.

After the game, the shoes are auctioned off and the funds donated to their wearers’ charity of choice.

On December 4th, the Jacksonville Jaguars participated in “My Cause, My Cleats” against the Cincinnati Bengals. All-black uniforms made the custom cleats stand out, serving as a spotlight on some amazing causes!

Making Wishes Come True

What makes “My Cause, My Cleats” unique is that each individual member of the team is able to select the cause that means the most to them. This year, Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida was honored to be included.

Linebacker Dequan Jackson, assistant running backs coach Tyler Tettleton, and outside linebackers coach Bill Shuey all sported shoes with the Make-A-Wish logo. Even though each pair of shoes was unique, they all represented the cause beautifully, reflecting the spirit of hope and strength shared by children with critical illness.

The NFL has partnered with Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida in the past by helping us grant wishes, but having them bring attention to our shared cause is both humbling and meaningful.

Help Us Make a Difference

Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida would like to send a heartfelt thank you to the Jaguars who chose to support our organization during “My Cause, My Cleats” as well as all of the players who wore cleats benefitting other Make-A-Wish chapters. It is truly heartwarming to receive the love and dedication of all of our donors, volunteers, and supporters.

The holiday season is a popular time to give back, but the needs of children with critical illness last all year. By donating, volunteering, or attending an event, you can help grant wishes to some of the community’s most vulnerable and deserving children.

Contact an office near you to find ways that you can join us in our mission of granting wishes for every eligible child.