NFL players wearing their hearts on their feet
Across the NFL during Week 13 and 14 games, players and coaches are wearing cleats highlighting non-profit organizations and charitable causes as part of the league’s My Cause, My Cleats initiative.
According to lists provided by NFL teams, 60 players from Alabama high schools and colleges are participating in the program’s eighth year.
Many have cleats boosting national groups such as the American Cancer Society. Others are supporting groups based in the cities where they play. Some are putting the spotlight on foundations that they founded.
For four of the players, their cleats provide a link back to Alabama-based organizations. Green Bay Packers kicker Anders Carlson is supporting Filter of Hope, Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey is supporting Speed City Track, Seattle Seahawks cornerback Mike Jackson is supporting the R.A.C.E. Foundation and New England Patriots linebacker Mack Wilson is supporting Kulture City.
After the games, the shoes will be up for bids at NFL Auction. The funds raised from the sales will be donated to the charities supported by the cleats.
The players with Alabama roots participating in My Cause, My Cleats include:
Baltimore Ravens
· Marlon Humphrey (Hoover, Alabama): Speed City Track
Carolina Panthers
· Bradley Bozeman (Handley, Alabama): Bradley and Nikki Bozeman Foundation
· Deonte Brown (Austin, Aabama): Bradley and Nikki Bozeman Foundation
· Derrick Brown (Auburn): Derrick Brown Foundation
· Bryce Young (Alabama): Young 9 Foundation
Chicago Bears
· Khari Blasingame (Buckhorn): Chicago Dream Center
· Velus Jones Jr. (Saraland): The ARC
· Darnell Mooney (Gadsden City): Moon Foundation
Cincinnati Bengals
· Cam Taylor-Britt (Park Crossing): J.U.I.C.E. Family Foundation
· Jonah Williams (Alabama): Ronald McDonald House of Greater Cincinnati
Cleveland Browns
· Jerome Ford (Alabama): Ohio Coalition Against Gun Violence
· Alex Leatherwood (Alabama): Surfrider Foundation
· Jedrick Wills Jr. (Alabama): Cleveland Animal Protective League
Dallas Cowboys
· Trevon Diggs (Alabama): Children’s Miracle Network
· Sam Williams (Lee-Montgomery): Wear Orange
Denver Broncos
· Kareem Jackson (Alabama): Kareem Jackson Foundation
· Jerry Jeudy (Alabama): Trisomy 18 Foundation
· Tremon Smith (Saks): National Breast Cancer Foundation
· Jarrett Stidham (Auburn): Jessie Rees Foundation
· Patrick Surtain II (Alabama): Patrick Surtain II Foundation
Detroit Lions
· Brian Branch (Alabama): American Cancer Society
Green Bay Packers
· Anders Carlson (Alabama): Filter of Hope
· Rudy Ford (New Hope, Auburn): Children’s Heart Foundation
Houston Texans
· Will Anderson Jr. (Alabama): Texas Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
Indianapolis Colts
· Braden Smith (Auburn): Watch Us Farm
Jacksonville Jaguars
· Calvin Ridley (Alabama): Single Moms Planet
· Cam Robinson (Alabama): Prostate Cancer Foundation
· Daniel Thomas (Lee-Montgomery, Auburn): Autism Speaks
· Darious Williams (UAB): Blessings in a Backpack
Las Vegas Raiders
· Daniel Carlson (Auburn): CASA/GAL Association for Children
Los Angeles Chargers
· Gerald Everett (UAB/South Alabama): Gerald Everett Foundation
Miami Dolphins
· Tua Tagovailoa (Alabama): Tua Foundation
· Jaylen Waddle (Alabama): American Cancer Society
New England Patriots
· Christian Barmore (Alabama): National Multiple Sclerosis Foundation
· Jonathan Jones (Auburn): Play Like a Girl
· Mack Wilson (Carver-Montgomery, Alabama): Kulture City
New York Giants
· Cor’Dale Flott (Saraland): Austism Speaks
· Evan Neal (Alabama): Cancer for College
· Darius Slayton (Auburn): Mothers Against Drunk Driving
New York Jets
· C.J. Mosley (Theodore, Alabama): Brigance Brigade Foundation
· Quincy Williams (Wenonah): The Quinnen Williams Foundation and the American Cancer Society
· Quinnen Williams (Wenonah, Alabama): The Quinnen Williams Foundation and the American Cancer Society
Philadelphia Eagles
· Reed Blankenship (West Limestone): Ronald McDonald House Charities
· Jack Driscoll (Auburn): Nemours Children’s Health
· Jalen Hurts (Alabama): Channelview ISD Education Foundation and KB Foundation
· Nicholas Morrow (Huntsville): National Breast Cancer Foundation
Pittsburgh Steelers
· Montravius Adams (Auburn): Angels’ Place
· Kwon Alexander (Oxford): Autism Speaks
Seattle Seahawks
· Mike Jackson (Spain Park): The R.A.C.E. Foundation
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
· K.J. Britt (Auburn): John Hopkins All Children’s Hospital
· Carlton Davis (Auburn): Metropolitan Ministries
· Jamel Dean (Auburn): National Alliance on Mental Illness
Tennessee Titans
· Shyheim Carter (Alabama): Coach Frank Ortega Foundation
· Derrick Henry (Alabama): Two All Foundation
· Chris Hubbard (UAB): Overcoming Together Foundation
Washington Commanders
· Jonathan Allen (Alabama): Sasha Bruce Youthwork
· Phidarian Mathis (Alabama): American Cancer Society
· Daron Payne (Shades Valley, Alabama): Everytown Community Safety Fund
· Brian Robinson Jr. (Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa, Alabama): Sandy Hook Promise and Everytown Community Safety Fund
· Trent Scott (Lee-Huntsville): Stomp Out Bullying
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Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter at @AMarkG1.