OREN BURKS, NICK McCLOUD TO RECOGNIZE NFLPA’S PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES FOUNDATION THROUGH MY CAUSE MY CLEATS
OREN BURKS, NICK McCLOUD TO RECOGNIZE NFLPA’S PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES FOUNDATION THROUGH MY CAUSE MY CLEATS
WASHINGTON, D.C. – As part of the NFL’s My Cause My Cleats initiative, NFL Players Association (NFLPA) player members Oren Burks and Nick McCloud will wear custom designed cleats featuring the union’s Professional Athletes Foundation. Burks, a linebacker for the Cincinnati Bengals who serves on the NFLPA’s Executive Committee, and McCloud, a cornerback for the Chicago Bears, will sport the customized cleats during Sunday’s Week 12 games.
Founded in 1990, the Professional Athletes Foundation (PAF) provides financial assistance, social services and compassion to former NFL players and their families in a time of need. As the leading foundation assisting former NFL athletes, it has aided more than 7,000 players through the Gene Upshaw Players Assistance Trust Fund (GU PAT). This year alone, PAF has awarded more than $2 million and counting in grants, running its total to over $37 million in former player assistance since its inception. Additionally, PAF offers cardiovascular and wellness screenings in partnership with the Living Heart Foundation to former players and spouses, has funded invaluable research for former player health, and supported charitable foundations in our player communities
This marks the second straight year that Burks has featured PAF for the My Cause My Cleats campaign, with David “DEZ” Zambrano serving as the artist.
"It's an honor to serve as a leader on our union's Executive Committee, which has given me a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made by those players who came before me,” said Burks, who also featured PAF for last year’s My Cause My Cleats campaign. “This is my way of showing appreciation for those same men and raise awareness for the important work that the NFLPA's Professional Athletes Foundation is doing to support the well-being of former players and their families."
For his cleats, McCloud worked with designer Kato Mitchell to recognize three former NFL players who have inspired him and paved the way for his identical path from South Pointe High School in Rock Hill, SC to the NFL: All-Pro cornerback Stephon Gilmore, linebacker DeVonte Holloman and wide receiver Anthony Johnson.
“Over the years, I’ve had the chance to play with and against some incredible guys who helped pave the way for players like me,” McCloud said. “Partnering with the NFLPA’s Professional Athletes Foundation for My Cause My Cleats is my way of showing love and respect to the former players who built this league and continue to inspire us every day. It’s important to me that they know their impact doesn’t fade once the pads come off.”
This season, more than 1,800 participants— players, coaches, staff, legends and on-air talent — are highlighting social issues and nonprofit organizations on their cleats and sneakers during games in Weeks 12 and 13. To learn more about what causes players have chosen to champion through the NFL’s My Cause My Cleats initiative, visit the link here.
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About the NFL Players Association:
The National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) is the union for professional football players in the NFL and is headquartered in Washington, D.C. Established in 1956, the NFLPA has a long history of protecting the health, safety and financial future of its more than 2,000 player members, who are the backbone of North America’s most popular and highest revenue-generating sport. Through a wide offering of programs, resources and engagement opportunities, the NFLPA provides world-class service to players throughout their career lifecycle and builds solidarity to advocate on their behalf in the areas of healthcare, revenue, compensation and working conditions. The current CBA will govern the sport through the 2030 season. Learn more at nflpa.com.