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„Through My Cause My Cleats, the league raises awareness of the hundreds of nonprofit organizations the NFL family supports throughout the year“, sagte Anna Isaacson, Senior Vice President of Social Responsibility der NFL. “We appreciate the passion with which players, coaches and legends support this initiative each season and are grateful for the commitment they show to strengthen the causes that mean most to them.”
“Since launching in 2016, this initiative has provided players with a platform to make a greater impact off the field and in their communities.”sagte Tracy Perlman, Senior Vice President of Player Operations bei der NFL. „My Cause My Cleats aligns with the NFL’s commitment to giving players a voice and creating positive change in communities around the world.”
This year, My Cause My Cleats will launch promotional efforts on Thanksgiving Day, including a marketing spot highlighting the many causes NFL players have chosen to support. The 90-second spot stars Christian Gonzalez (New England Patriots), Tucker Kraft (Green Bay Packers) and Deebo Samuel Sr. (San Francisco 49ers). Gonzalez will highlight the important work of KyleCares that promotes open and honest communication about the mental health challenges facing youth and young adults in today’s society. Kraft will introduce the Cheyenne River Youth Project, whose work aims to give Lakota youth access to the resources and opportunities they need for a successful future. Additionally, Samuel will promote the work of SPAAT, which provides support programs to help student-athletes make a successful transition to college and the pros. Watch the 90-second marketing spot here.
After Weeks 13 and 14 games, players can donate their sneakers by auctioning them on NFL Auction. The NFL does not profit from the sale of these athletic shoes. All funds raised will be donated by the NFL Foundation to the players’ chosen charity. Fans can bid on these trainers here throughout the season.
Rayze fundraising partnership
This year, for the first time, the NFL also partnered with Rayze, a mobile-first platform founded by seven-year NFL legend Carl Nassib. Rayze provides a platform for nonprofit fundraising, corporate giving, and individual engagement. With “My Cause My Cleats,” Rayze empowers NFL players, coaches and staff to bring awareness to causes they care about and raise much-needed funds. By downloading the Rayze app, My Cause My Cleats participants will receive their own custom “Champion” donation links and QR codes that they can share across social media platforms to encourage fans to support their causes . Fans can support players with their individual fundraising efforts through Rayze here.
„My team and I are very pleased that this partnership has come about. My Cause My Cleats has brought awareness to thousands of nonprofits over the years and highlighted the generosity and leadership of the NFL and its playerssaid NFL legend and Rayze founder and CEO Carl Nassib. “Our goal is to provide the infrastructure to continue connecting these great organizations with generous fans and supporters for years to come.”
AWS sports shoe customization
Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills), Maxx Crosby (Las Vegas Raiders) and DK Metcalf (Seattle Seahawks) have put an innovative new twist on My Cause My Cleats, partnering with AWS to leverage generative AI in their design process and address the concerns that to support them in their local communities. Using AWS tools, these players had hands-on control over style, color and textures, combining technology and purpose in a unique, interactive experience to personalize their athletic shoes, which were then hand-painted by artists.
Fans are invited to join the creative process and create their own digital version of athletic shoes using AWS’s generative AI app to support the causes they care about. Fans can design their own sneakers online here.
„We are truly honored to be part of such an impactful initiative as the NFL’s My Cause My Cleats,” said Julie Souza, Global Head of Sports at AWS. “By combining AWS’s generative AI with design inspiration from some of the NFL’s biggest stars, players were able to add personal touches to their sneakers that visually represent the causes they care about. We’re also excited to involve fans in the design process and create digital sneakers online that highlight causes that matter to them personally.”
Beyond financial contributions, what other tangible impacts (e.g., increased awareness, volunteerism) has the “My Cause My Cleats” campaign generated for participating organizations?
## World Today News Exclusive Interview: My Cause My Cleats
**Introduction:**
Welcome to World Today News. Today, we’re dissecting the NFL’s impactful “My Cause My Cleats” campaign. We’re joined by two special guests:
* **[Guest 1 Name & Affiliation]**: A representative from the NFL Foundation or someone deeply involved with the “My Cause My Cleats” initiative.
* **[Guest 2 Name & Affiliation]**: An expert in sports philanthropy or a representative from a non-profit organization benefiting from the program.
Let’s dive into this inspiring initiative.
**Section 1: The Heart of “My Cause My Cleats”**
* **[Interviewer]**: “My Cause My Cleats” has become a cornerstone of the NFL season. For our viewers unfamiliar with the initiative, could you explain its fundamental purpose and impact?
* **[Interviewer to Guest 1]**: What inspired the creation of this program, and how has it evolved since its inception in 2016?
* **[Interviewer to Guest 2]**: Your organization has directly benefitted from “My Cause My Cleats.” Can you share a specific story that illustrates the program’s positive impact on your work and the community you serve?
**Section 2: Empowering Players as Changemakers**
* **[Interviewer]**: This year’s campaign highlights players like Christian Gonzalez, Tucker Kraft, and Deebo Samuel, representing diverse causes. How does “My Cause My Cleats” empower players to become agents of change beyond the football field?
* **[Interviewer to Guest 1]**: How do you ensure that players’ chosen causes are representative of a wide range of social issues and resonate with fans?
* **[Interviewer to Guest 2]**: What message would you share with young athletes who aspire to use their platform for social good?
**Section 3: Innovation and Engagement: The Rayze Partnership and AWS Collaboration**
* **[Interviewer]** : This year, the NFL partnered with Rayze, a platform designed to empower individuals and organizations in fundraising. Can you explain how this partnership expands the reach and impact of “My Cause My Cleats?
* **[Interviewer to Guest 1]** : The collaboration with AWS introduces a novel element – generative AI tool for shoe customization. How does this technology make the campaign more interactive and engaging for both players and fans?
* **[Interviewer to Guest 2]** : How can technology be leveraged further to amplify the message of “My Cause My Cleats” and create lasting change?
**Section 4: Looking Ahead: The Future of “My Cause My Cleats”**
* **[Interviewer]**: What are the long-term goals for “My Cause My Cleats?” How do you envision its legacy continuing to evolve in the years to come?
* **[Interviewer to Guest 1]**:
What are some emerging trends or potential partnerships that could further elevate the program’s impact?
* **[Interviewer to Guest 2]**:
How can individuals who are passionate about a cause get involved and support “My Cause My Cleats
**Closing Remarks**
* **[Interviewer]**: Thank you both for sharing your perspectives on this impactful initiative. “My Cause My Cleats” reminds us that sports have the power to inspire change and create a brighter future for all.
