Patient Stories

NFL players choose Shriners Hospitals for Children for 2017 My Cause My Cleats campaign

My cause, my cleats

Story Summary

My Cause My Cleats gives players an opportunity to raise awareness for the charities and causes they support

Todd Gurley and Shriners Hospital for Children patientNine players, from seven NFL teams, have selected Shriners Hospitals for Children® as their charity of choice for the 2017 My Cause My Cleats initiative during Week 13 of the NFL season.

My Cause My Cleats gives NFL players the opportunity to personalize their cleats and raise awareness for the charities and foundations they passionately support. The initiative also gives players a platform to share their stories and why the causes are important to them.

“It is a cause that is very near and dear to my heart,” said Kansas City Chiefs running back Charcandrick West. “I was once a Shriners Hospitals kid. They saved my life and I am forever grateful for all they do to help children. I want to bring awareness to children who have special health needs and the amazing and exceptional care provided at Shriners Hospitals for Children.”

Participating players will reveal their cleat designs via social media on Tuesday, November 28, 2017, during a league-wide “Unboxing Day.” The custom-designed cleats will be worn during various games during Week 13 of the regular NFL season.

Players supporting Shriners Hospitals for Children:

Ryan Allen, New England Patriots (Patriots at Bills – Sunday, 12/3 at 1 p.m. EST CBS)
Tyus Bowser, Baltimore Ravens (Lions at Ravens – Sunday, 12/3 at 1 p.m. EST FOX)
Anthony Chickillo, Pittsburgh Steelers (Steelers at Bengals – Monday, 12/4 at 8:30 p.m. EST ESPN)
Alan Cross, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Buccaneers at Packers – Sunday, 12/3 at 1 p.m. EST FOX)
Bud Dupree, Pittsburgh Steelers (Steelers at Bengals – Monday, 12/4 at 8:30 p.m. EST ESPN)
Todd Gurley, Los Angeles Rams (Rams at Cardinals – Sunday, 12/3 at 4:25 p.m. EST FOX)
Charcandrick West, Kansas City Chiefs (Chiefs at Jets – Sunday, 12/3 at 1 p.m. EST CBS)
Leonard Wester, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Buccaneers at Packers – Sunday, 12/3 at 1 p.m. EST FOX)
Anthony Zettel, Detroit Lions (Lions at Ravens – Sunday, 12/3 at 1 p.m. EST FOX)

Following the games, players will autograph their cleats for auction at nflauction.nfl.com. Proceeds will benefit Shriners Hospitals for Children.

“My Cause My Cleats is an exciting and creative initiative” said Gary Bergenske, chairman of the Board of Directors for Shriners Hospitals for Children. “We are proud to be included and grateful to all the players who support our mission to provide the highest quality health care to children in a compassionate and family-centered environment.”

  • Make a
    Donation Now

    Through the generosity of donors like you, we’ve been able to help more than 1.5 million children reach their potential and lead more fulfilling lives, regardless of the families’ ability to pay.

You Can Help Too!

There are many ways you can make a difference for children and families. Whether you start your own fundraiser, join an existing campaign or get the word out, your support helps us provide life-changing care to patients in need.