Football

NFL players show love for Christ through 'My Cause My Cleats'

By Jon Ackerman Dec 9, 2019
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver D.K. Metcalf wears custom cleats prior to a game against the Los Angeles Rams, Dec. 8, 2019. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Week 14 in the NFL was “My Cause My Cleats” week, in which players can express their commitment to the causes most important to them through specially-designed custom cleats. A number of players exhibited their devotion to Christ.

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New England Patriots tight end Benjamin Watson highlighted his One More Foundation, which seeks to spread the love and hope of Christ to “One More” soul by meeting real needs, promoting education and providing enrichment opportunities through charitable initiatives and partnerships.

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver D.K. Metcalf wore pink and green cleats to honor Prison Fellowship, whose mission is to restore those affected by crime and incarceration, and whose vision is to see all affected by crime reconciled to God, their families and their communities.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Marcus Johnson chose to represent Young Life, whose mission is to introduce adolescents to Jesus Christ and help them grow in their faith. In those cleats, Johnson enjoyed the first 100-yard receiving game of his young NFL career.

Detroit Lions quarterback David Blough honored the life of Tyler Trent, a lifelong Purdue fan and Christ-follower who endured a public battle with cancer before passing earlier this year. Blough wanted to raise awareness for The V Foundation, which supports life-saving cancer research.

On Monday night, New York Giants offensive lineman Nate Solder will wear cleats featuring images of the four children his family sponsors through Compassion International, a Christ-centered child sponsorship organization dedicated to the long-term development of children living in poverty around the world.

On the other side of the field Monday night, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz will highlight his AO1 Foundation, which aspires to uplift individuals and communities around the world by demonstrating God’s love for His people.

And numerous players showed their love for Fellowship of Christian Athletes, a sports ministry that aims to see the world impacted for Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes — including Bills quarterback Matt Barkley, Broncos linebacker Malik Reed, Redskins quarterback Case Keenum, Jaguars safety Cody Davis, and Raiders fullback Alec Ingold.

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I'm so excited to be supporting the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (@orangecountyfca) for this year's #mycausemycleats! . FCA has played a special role in my development as an athlete, and man of God. One of my first mentors was my FCA huddle leader @jwhall14 who has had a profound impact on my life, and who I now get to call one of my best of friends. FCA does incredible work at local schools to help the students and athletes maximize their impact, and point them toward God. . And a huge thanks to @solesbysir for creating these custom cleats, they turned out even better than I envisioned! ✌🏼 . #gobills #billsmafia #fca #fellowshipofchristianathletes #nfl #shoegame #customcleats #football #bills #buffalobills

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