Widely criticized for enforcing its ultra-strict uniform guidelines, the NFL is loosening the reins this weekend, celebrating its first ever #MyCauseMyCleats campaign. The initiative calls for players to compete in custom cleats representing a cause that they hold near and dear to their hearts — without the threat of a fine. In addition to bringing some extra flair to the field, players are standing up for issues such as domestic violence, cancer awareness, homelessness, animal rescue and police brutality. More than 500 players around the league are expected to participate during Week 13.
Ahead of kickoff tomorrow, we've rounded up the 100 best #MyCauseMyCleats customs shared on social media. It's nearly impossible to sort through every pair and there's still plenty left to be unveiled, but this is a pretty comprehensive rundown of what's been seen thus far.
Be sure to follow @SoleCollector on Twitter for #SoleWatch updates throughout the weekend.
Widely criticized for enforcing its ultra-strict uniform guidelines, the NFL is loosening the reins this weekend, celebrating its first ever #MyCauseMyCleats campaign. The initiative calls for players to compete in custom cleats representing a cause that they hold near and dear to their hearts — without the threat of a fine. In addition to bringing some extra flair to the field, players are standing up for issues such as domestic violence, cancer awareness, homelessness, animal rescue and police brutality. More than 500 players around the league are expected to participate during Week 13.
Ahead of kickoff tomorrow, we've rounded up the 100 best #MyCauseMyCleats customs shared on social media. It's nearly impossible to sort through every pair and there's still plenty left to be unveiled, but this is a pretty comprehensive rundown of what's been seen thus far.
Be sure to follow @SoleCollector on Twitter for #SoleWatch updates throughout the weekend.
David Amerson
Team: Oakland Raiders
Cleats: Nike Vapor Carbon 2014 Elite
Cause: Alzheimer's Association
Mission: Advance research to end Alzheimer's and dementia while enhancing care for those living with the disease.
Cliff Avril
Team: Seattle Seahawks
Cleats: Nike Zoom Code Elite
Cause: Cliff Avril Family Foundation / JDRF
Mission: To increase the awareness of Type 2 diabetes in youth and to encourage healthy living through nutrition and exercise.
Doug Baldwin
Team: Seattle Seahawks
Cleats: Nike Vapor Carbon 2014 Elite
Cause: Southern Youth Sports Association
Mission: Respond to the academic, social and physical needs of each child through the appropriate involvement of community, students and staff.
Odell Beckham
Team: New York Giants
Cleats: Nike Vapor Carbon 2014 Elite
Cause: Make-a-Wish
Mission: Grants the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses. Provides testimonials, eligibility requirements, volunteers, fundraising, history, and links.
Eric Berry
Team: Kansas City Chiefs
Cleats: Adidas Adizero
Cause: Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.
Alex Boone
Team: Minnesota Vikings
Cleats: Nike Alpha Pro 2
Cause: Chris Kyle Frog Foundation
Mission: To honor God, country, and families who serve by providing experiences that strengthen military and first responder marriages and families.
Blake Bortles
Team: Jacksonville Jaguars
Cleats: Nike Alpha Field General Elite
Cause: Blake Bortles Foundation
Mission: To support children with intellectual and developmental challenges in their pursuit of full, independent lives.
Drew Brees
Team: New Orleans Saints
Cleats: Nike Lunar Superbad Pro
Cause: The Brees Dream Foundation
Mission: Improving the quality of life for cancer patients, and provide care, education and opportunities for children and families in need.
Antonio Brown
Team: Pittsburgh Steelers
Cleats: Nike Alpha Pro
Cause: Big Brothers, Big Sisters
Mission: Provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever.
Reggie Bush
Team: Buffalo Bills
Cleats: Nike Alpha Field General Elite
Cause: R.I.P. Joe McKnight
Joe Cardona
Team: New England Patriots
Cleats: Under Armour Nitro Mid
Cause: Travis Manion Foundation
Mission: Empowers veterans and the families of fallen heroes to develop character in future generations.
Brandon Carr
Team: Dallas Cowboys
Cleats: Under Armour Nitro Low
Cause: Carr Cares Foundation
Mission: Inspire young students to become proficient readers by providing learning tools and resources to help them reach their full potential.
Derek Carr
Team: Oakland Raiders
Cleats: Nike Alpha Field General Elite
Cause: Silicon Valley Children's Hospital
Mission: Provide high-quality, comprehensive healthcare services to children, regardless of their ability to pay, and to continuously improve the health and wellbeing of children.
Nolan Carroll
Team: Philadelphia Eagles
Cleats: Under Armour Spotlight
Cause: Nolan Carroll Foundation / Autism Awareness
Ha Ha Clinton-Dix
Team: Green Bay Packers
Cleats: Nike Alpha Pro 2
Cause: Ha Ha's Hero Foundation
Sammie Coates
Team: Pittsburgh Steelers
Cleats: Under Armour Spotlight
Cause: St. Jude Children's Hospital
Mission: Pioneering research and treatments for kids with cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
Brandin Cooks
Team: New Orleans Saints
Cleats: Nike Vapor Carbon 2014 Elite
Cause: American Heart Association
Mission: Fosters appropriate cardiac care in an effort to reduce disability and deaths caused by cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Kirk Cousins
Team: Washington
Cleats: Nike Alpha Pro Low TD
Cause: International Justice Mission
Mission: To protect the poor from violence by rescuing victims, bringing the criminals to justice, restoring survivors to safety and strength, and helping local law enforcement build a safe future that lasts.
Victor Cruz
Team: New York Giants
Cleats: Nike Vapor Carbon 2014 Elite
Cause: The Victor Cruz Foundation
Mission: Promoting educational and financial literacy programs, college readiness and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (S.T.E.M) initiatives.
Johnathan Cyprien
Team: Jacksonville Jaguars
Cleats: Nike Vapor Untouchable 2
Cause: Cyp Squad At Risk Youth
Mission: To hold events that will entertain, motivate, and raise funds to sponsor underprivileged youths to help them have a greater chance of a brighter future.
Andy Dalton
Team: Cincinnati Bengals
Cleats: Nike Lunar Superbad Pro
Cause: Andy & Jordan Dalton Foundation
Mission: To provide daily support, opportunities, resources and life-changing experiences to seriously ill and physically challenged children and their families in Cincinnati and Fort Worth.
Marcell Dareus
Team: Buffalo Bills
Cleats: Under Armour Spine Brawler
Cause: American Heart Association
Mission: Foster appropriate cardiac care in an effort to reduce disability and deaths caused by cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Ryan Davis
Team: Dallas Cowboys
Cleats: Nike Alpha Pro 2
Cause: Diabetes Awareness
Vernon Davis
Team: Washington
Cleats: Under Armour Nitro MC Mid
Cause: Vernon Davis Foundation for the Arts
Mission: To promote art education and art appreciation among youth from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Andrew DePaola, Roberto Aguayo & Bryan Anger
Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Cleats: Nike Vapor Speed 2, Nike Tiempo Legend 6
Cause: Bo's Effort
Mission: Assemble community resources to break the stigma of mental illness through education and guidance.
Stefon Diggs
Team: Minnesota Vikings
Cleats: Under Armour Spotlight
Cause: American Heart Association
Mission: Fosters appropriate cardiac care in an effort to reduce disability and deaths caused by cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Eric Ebron
Team: Detroit Lions
Cleats: Nike Vapor Untouchable Pro
Cause: Michael J. Fox Foundation
Mission: Dedicated to finding a cure for Parkinson's disease through an aggressively funded research agenda and to ensure the development of improved therapies for those living with Parkinson's today.
Tyler Eifert
Team: Cincinnati Bengals
Cleats: Nike Vapor Carbon 2014 Elite
Cause: Operation Warrior Wishes
Mission: To honor, empower and inspire veterans and wounded warriors by giving them unique once in a lifetime experiences at all 32 NFL stadiums in 1 season.
Ezekiel Elliott
Team: Dallas Cowboys
Cleats: Nike Vapor Untouchable Pro
Cause: SPCA Texas
Mission: To provide every animal exceptional care and a loving home.
Gavin Escobar
Team: Dallas Cowboys
Cleats: Nike Field General Elite
Cause: American Cancer Society
Mission: A nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem.
Larry Fitzgerald
Team: Arizona Cardinals
Cleats: Nike Alpha Pro
Cause: Larry Fitzgerald First Down Fund
Mission: Help kids and their families by funding positive activities for kids during the summer and throughout the year, supporting kids and families in crisis, and supporting health-related organizations that work with families.
Ereck Flowers
Team: New York Giants
Cleats: Nike Zoom Code Elite
Cause: Good Grief
Mission: Provide unlimited and free support to children, teens, young adults, and families after the death of a mother, father, sister, or brother through peer support programs, education, and advocacy.
Pierre Garcon
Team: Washington
Cleats: Under Armour Blur Phantom
Cause: Pierre Garcon Helping Hands Foundation
Mission: Bring enduring education, health and community programs to the people of Haiti; to provide long-term sustainable initiatives that will continue to positively influence the lives of Haitians.
Mike Glennon
Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Cleats: Nike Lunarbeast Elite
Cause: Moffitt Cancer Center
Mission: To contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer.
Marquise Goodwin
Team: Buffalo Bills
Cleats: Nike Vapor Untouchable Pro
Cause: Cerebral Palsy Awareness
Robbie Gould
Team: New York Giants
Cleats: Nike Tiempo Legend 6
Cause: Lurie Children's Hospital
Mission: Provide superior pediatric care in a setting that offers the latest benefits and innovations in medical technology, research and family-friendly design.
Corey Graham
Team: Buffalo Bills
Cleats: Nike Vapor Untouchable Pro
Cause: R.I.P. Trayvon Martin
Jimmy Graham
Team: Seattle Seahawks
Cleats: Adidas Freak
Cause: Angel Flight
Mission: An organization of volunteer pilots that help patients with transportation.
T.J. Green
Team: Indianapolis Colts
Cleats: Nike Vapor Untouchable Pro
Cause: March of Dimes
Mission: Funds lifesaving research and programs and works to end premature birth, birth defects and infant mortality.
Chad Greenway
Team: Minnesota Vikings
Cleats: Nike Huarache 5
Cause: Lead the Way Foundation
Mission: Provide seriously ill and physically challenged children throughout the Twin Cities with daily support and life-changing experiences.
Roman Harper
Team: New Orleans Saints
Cleats: Nike Alpha Pro 2
Cause: Harper's Hope 4*1 Foundation
Mission: To prepare today’s youth for tomorrow’s challenges.
Chris Harris Jr.
Team: Denver Broncos
Cleats: Nike Vapor Untouchable Pro
Cause: Chris Harris Jr. Foundation
Mission: Helping kids rise above their circumstances and strive for greatness.
William Hayes
Team: Los Angeles Rams
Cleats: Nike Alpha Pro
Cause: Big Play Hayes Foundation / HollyRod Foundation
Mission: Dedicated to providing compassionate care to those living with autism and Parkinson’s disease.
Cameron Heyward
Team: Pittsburgh Steelers
Cleats: Nike Alpha Field General Elite
Cause: Cameron Heyward Foundation / Brain Cancer Awareness
Mission: To inspire & enable all young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to reach their full potential as caring citizens.
Donta Hightower
Team: New England Patriots
Cleats: Nike Vapor Speed 2
Cause: American Diabetes Association
Mission: Working to fight the consequences of diabetes and to help those affected by diabetes.
DeAndre Hopkins
Team: Houston Texans
Cleats: Adidas Adizero 5-Star 5.0
Cause: Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse (AVDA)
Mission: To end family violence by advocating for the safety and self-determination of victims, promoting accountability for abusers and fostering a community response to abuse.
Jordan Howard
Team: Chicago Bears
Cleats: Adidas Freak
Cause: Pulmonary Fibrosis
Mission: Mobilize people and resources to provide access to high quality care and leads research for a cure so people with pulmonary fibrosis will live longer, healthier lives.
Melvin Ingram
Team: San Diego Chargers
Cleats: Under Armour Nitro Mid
Cause: Mission Possible Foundation
Mission: Provide inner city and low-income children with the educational opportunities and resources to reach their full potential and beat the odds.
Vincent Jackson
Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Cleats: Adidas Adizero 5-Star 5.0
Cause: Jackson in Action 83 Foundation
Mission: Provide support to military families, focusing on the educational, emotional, & physical health of the children.
Jesse James
Team: Pittsburgh Steelers
Cleats: Nike Vapor Speed 2
Cause: THON
Mission: Raise funds & awareness for the fight against childhood cancer.
Kevin Johnson
Team: Houston Texans
Cleats: Nike Vapor Untouchable Pro
Cause: Mental Health America of Greater Houston
Mission: To enhance the mental health of all Houstonians and improve the lives of those with mental illnesses.
Marvin Jones Jr.
Team: Detroit Lions
Cleats: Nike Alpha Pro 2
Cause: City Year Detroit
Mission: Fighting the national dropout crisis.
Ryan Kerrigan
Team: Washington
Cleats: Nike Lunar Superbad Pro
Cause: Blitz for the Better
Mission: To provide opportunities, support and resources to children and families in need in the Greater Washington D.C. area.
Jarvis Landry
Team: Miami Dolphins
Cleats: Nike Vapor Untouchable Pro
Cause: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Mission: Provide the means to cure and control cystic fibrosis.
Shaq Lawson
Team: Buffalo Bills
Cleats: Adidas AdiZero 5-Star 3.0
Cause: Make-A-Wish / Cystic Fibrosis
Mission: Grants the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses. Provides testimonials, eligibility requirements, volunteers, fundraising, history, and links.
Khalil Mack
Team: Oakland Raiders
Cleats: Nike Force Lunarbeast Elite
Cause: Lupus Foundation of America
Mission: Devoted to solving the mystery of lupus, one of the world's cruelest, most unpredictable, and devastating diseases, while giving caring support to those who suffer from its brutal impact.
Jeremy Maclin
Team: Kansas City Chiefs
Cleats: Nike Vapor Carbon 2014 Elite
Cause: JMac Gives Back
Mission: Provide opportunities through charitable and educational efforts to kids living in alternative living situations.
Brandon Mashall
Team: New York Jets
Cleats: Under Armour Nitro Low
Cause: Project 375
Mission: Dedicated to eradicating the stigma surrounding mental health by raising awareness and improving care for those in need.
Tyrann Mathieu
Team: Arizona Cardinals
Cleats: Nike Vapor Untouchable Pro
Cause: Sideline Racism
Clay Matthews
Team: Green Bay Packers
Cleats: Nike Alpha Pro 2
Cause: Cure Duchenne
Mission: Raise awareness and funds to find a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Devin & Jason McCourty
Teams: New England Patriots & Tennessee Titans
Cleats: Nike Vapor Untouchable Pro
Cause: Tackle Sickle Cell
Mission: To educate the public, increase blood donations and raise money & awareness for the fight against sickle cell disease.
Gerald McCoy
Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Cleats: Nike Alpha Pro 2
Cause: Metropolitan Ministries
Mission: Care for the homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless in the community through services that alleviate suffering, promote dignity and instill self-sufficiency.
LeSean McCoy
Team: Buffalo Bills
Cleats: Nike Lunarbeast Pro
Cause: ALS Association
Mission: Leading the fight to treat and cure ALS through global research and nationwide advocacy while also empowering people with Lou Gehrig's Disease and their families to live fuller lives by providing them with compassionate care and support.
Whitney Mercilus
Team: Houston Texans
Cleats: Nike Alpha Pro 2
Cause: With Merci
Mission: Provide advocate services and support to families of children with disabilities and special needs.
Von Miller
Team: Denver Broncos
Cleats: Adidas Freak Mid
Cause: Von's Vision
Mission: To provide low-income Denver children with the eye care and corrective eyewear they need to be their best in the classroom and in life.
Corey Moore
Team: Houston Texans
Cleats: Nike Vapor Untouchable 2
Cause: Stop Bullying
Josh Norman
Team: Washington
Cleats: Adidas Adizero 5-Star 6.0
Cause: Starz24
Mission: To provide enrichment through community events and youth programs.
Greg Olsen
Team: Carolina Panthers
Cleats: Nike Lunarbeast Elite
Cause: Receptions for Research
Mission: To support families of children with congenital heart disease treated at Levine Children's Hospital and to provide hospitals, doctors and scholars resources to better the lives of those affected by cancer.
Brock Osweiler
Team: Houston Texans
Cleats: Nike Alpha Field General Elite
Cause: Ronald McDonald House Houston
Mission: To offer a home away from home providing care, compassion and hope to families with seriously ill children being treated in Texas Medical Center member institutions.
Carson Palmer
Team: Arizona Cardinals
Cleats: Nike Zoom Code Elite
Cause: Phoenix Childrens Hospital Foundation
Mission: Helping the patients and families served by Phoenix Children's Hospital.
Marcus Peters
Team: Kansas City Chiefs
Cleats: Adidas Adizero 5-Star 4.0
Cause: Fam 1st Family Foundation
Mission: Dedicated to uplifting and empowering youth in the Bay Area and throughout the United States.
Mike Pouncey
Team: Miami Dolphins
Cleats: Nike Zoom Code Elite
Cause: Sideline Racism
Dak Prescott
Team: Dallas Cowboys
Cleats: Adidas Freak
Cause: Huddle Up for Life / Colon Cancer Awareness
Mission: Provide terminally ill people the opportunity to be with their student athletes.
Allen Robinson
Team: Jacksonville Jaguars
Cleats: Nike Vapor Untouchable Pro
Cause: Allen Robinson's Within Reach Foundation
Mission: Provide educational opportunities and resources to low-income and inner-city Jacksonville-area students to help put success within their reach.
Aaron Rodgers
Team: Green Bay Packers
Cleats: Adidas Freak x Kevlar
Cause: Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer
Mission: Raising critical funding for groundbreaking cancer and related blood disorder research to give hope to kids battling the diseases.
Ben Roethlisberger
Team: Pittsburgh Steelers
Cleats: Nike Alpha Field General Pro
Cause: Ben Roethlisberger Foundation
Mission: To support police and fire departments throughout the U.S. with a particular emphasis on support for K-9 units and service dogs.
Logan Ryan
Team: New England Patriots
Cleats: Nike Vapor Untouchable Pro
Cause: Ryan's Monthly Rescue
Mission: Helping local dogs in shelters and rescues find loving homes.
Matt Ryan
Team: Atlanta Falcons
Cleats: Nike
Cause: Children's Healthcare of Atlanta
Mission: To make kids better today and healthier tomorrow.
Emmanuel Sanders
Team: Denver Broncos
Cleats: Adidas Adizero 5-Star 5.0
Cause: Emmanuel Sanders Foundation
Mission: To support and provide for the less fortunate.
Mohamed Sanu
Team: Atlanta Falcons
Cleats: Nike Zoom Vapor Carbon Fly 2
Cause: Sanu's Crew
Mission: Lighten the burden, maintain normalcy and improve the quality of life for families whose children are facing cancer, sickle cell and other serious health challenges.
Ryan Shazier
Team: Pittsburgh Steelers
Cleats: Nike Vapor Speed 2
Cause: National Alopecia Areata Foundation
Mission: Supports research to find a cure or acceptable treatment for alopecia areata, supports those with the disease, and educates the public about alopecia areata.
Sterling Shepard
Team: New York Giants
Cleats: Nike Vapor Carbon 2014 Elite
Cause: Fuel Up to Play 60
Mission: Help encourage today's youth to lead healthier lives.
Kelvin Sheppard
Team: New York Giants
Cleats: Nike Vapor Untouchable Pro
Cause: American Red Cross
Mission: Provide emergency assistance, disaster relief and education in the United States.
Richard Sherman
Team: Seattle Seahawks
Cleats: Nike Vapor Untouchable Pro
Cause: Blanket Coverage Foundation
Mission: Provide students in low-income communities with school supplies and clothing so they can more adequately achieve their goals.
Torrey Smith
Team: San Francisco 49ers
Cleats: Under Armour Nitro Low
Cause: Torrey Smith Family Fund / 49ers Foundation
Mission: Provide youth with the tools they need to identify, unleash, and reach their full potential.
Devon Still
Team: Houston Texans
Cleats: Nike Lunarbeast Pro
Cause: Still Strong
Mission: Provide assistance to families whose children are battling cancer.
Darrell Stuckey
Team: San Diego Chargers
Cleats: Nike Alpha Field General Elite
Cause: Carolinas FCA
Mission: Serving the Carolinas and beyond through the ministry of Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Ndamukong Suh
Team: Miami Dolphins
Cleats: Nike Vapor Untouchable
Cause: Ndamukong Suh Family Foundation
Mission: Strive for philanthropic success in the community by means of our programming and considerable donations to education, health and wellness, nutrition, and international outreach.
Aqib Talib
Team: Denver Broncos
Cleats: Under Armour Nitro Low MC
Cause: Yellow Jackets United
Tyrod Taylor
Team: Buffalo Bills
Cleats: Nike Alpha Field General Elite
Cause: Olmsted Center for the Visually Impaired
Mission: To help individuals with visual impairments and those with other physical challenges achieve their highest level of independence.
Michael Thomas
Team: Miami Dolphins
Cleats: Nike Vapor Untouchable Pro
Cause: Van Duzer Foundation
Mission: To provide local children of all ages with the opportunity to interact with community leaders on a weekly basis to play, eat and, most importantly, get to know each other. The weekly interaction helps “bridge the gap," build trust and align mentors with kids that might not have those figures in their life presently.
Delanie Walker
Team: Tennessee Titans
Cleats: Adidas Freak
Cause: Mothers Against Drunk Driving
Mission: Protect families from drunk driving, drugged driving and underage drinking.
Greg Warren
Team: Pittsburgh Steelers
Cleats: Nike Alpha Field General Elite
Cause: Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation
Mission: From developing improved treatment options to awarding college scholarships to survivors, we work to eliminate the challenges of childhood brain tumors.
Jaylen Watkins
Team: Philadelphia Eagles
Cleats: Nike Vapor Carbon 2014 Elite
Cause: Colon & Prostate Cancer Awareness
Jon Weeks
Team: Houston Texans
Cleats: Under Armour Spine Nitro MC Mid
Cause: Colleen's Dream
Mission: Funding early detection for ovarian cancer, the deadliest gynecological cancers.
DeAngelo Williams
Team: Pittsburgh Steelers
Cleats: Nike Zoom Code Elite
Cause: DeAngelo Williams Foundation
Mission: Develop and seek initiatives to support the eradication of breast cancer through preventative care and research.
Russell Wilson
Team: Seattle Seahawks
Cleats: Nike Force Lunarbeast Pro
Cause: Why Not You? Foundation
Mission: Dedicated to creating real and lasting change in the world by motivating, empowering and preparing today’s youth to be tomorrow’s leaders.
Brad Wing
Team: New York Giants
Cleats: Nike Tiempo Legend 6
Cause: Dreams Come True Louisiana
Mission: To restore the beauty found in the dreams of children.
Jameis Winston
Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Cleats: Nike Force Lunarbeast Elite
Cause: Juvenile Diabetes Foundation
Mission: To accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and it's complications.
Jason Witten
Team: Dallas Cowboys
Cleats: Nike Zoom Code Elite 3/4
Cause: Score Foundation
Mission: To raise awareness and to provide aid to families and individuals impacted by domestic violence and domestic abuse.