The NFL has launched the “My Cause My Cleats” campaign recently. The league-wide effort gives players a chance to wear custom cleats to raise awareness for causes they believe in. Typically, wearing those custom cleats would have been a find in the NFL due to the league’s uniform rules. A good example of this is Brandon Marshall, who was fined in the past for wearing lime green cleats to raise awareness about borderline personality disorder. Also note, that cause is very near to Marshall’s heart, as he suffers from the disorder himself. Players felt it was wrong they were unable to express themselves through their cleats, and thus the NFL compromised. Now we will feature a few Rams and the causes they are representing today:
Johnny Hekker
Punter Johnny Hekker is wearing cleats to benefit the waterboys organization. Waterboys was created by Hekker’s former teammate, Chris Long, and Hekker is now the Rams representative. Waterboys provides water to Africa by raising money to both provide relief and build wells. The cleats worn by Hekker were designed by an African boy who benefits daily from the work of the Waterboys organization. The Rams star punter is the best in the league, so there is no doubt awareness is gained from his golden foot.
Aaron Donald
Defensive star Aaron Donald will be playing for the Make a Wish foundation on Sunday. A foundation that needs no explanation, Donald will be representing a fantastic cause. Featured on Rams social media this week on the phone with a young fan, Donald will be fulfilling the wish of a fan who has suffered medical issues. His cleats from Sunday will go to the fan as well, signed, when they meet at the 49ers game.
Todd Gurley
Running back Todd Gurley will be representing Shriners Children’s Hospital on Sunday. Gurley is frequently involved with the hospital, giving back and spending time with kids there. Without a doubt, this is an excellent cause and Gurley is clearly a firm believer in it.
Nickell Robey-Coleman
Cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman will be playing for a cause very near and dear to his heart. Robey-Coleman will be representing the American Heart Association, which is a cause that is related to the loss of his mother. Maxine Robey-Coleman passed away of a heart attack and now her son will be playing on her behalf on Sunday. As a matter of fact, Robey-Coleman has his mother’s name written on his cleats.
Rams Outlook
So many Rams will be representing excellent causes on Sunday it is impossible to highlight them all. Cheers to the Rams players for doing such noble work and using their platform to raise awareness and kudos to the NFL for allowing them to do so. Now, with their causes on their feet, the Rams need to go get a win on Sunday.