The NFL’s annual “My Cause My Cleats“ campaign once again highlights players’ dedication to important social causes. This initiative allows players to wear custom-designed cleats during designated games to promote causes close to their hearts. For 2024, three players—Abraham Lucas (Seattle Seahawks), Jon Runyan (Green Bay Packers), and Zach Tom (Green Bay Packers)—used their cleats to shine a spotlight on the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP), an organization renowned for its charitable work addressing poverty and homelessness.

SVdP is one of the largest charitable organizations globally, providing essential services like food assistance, housing, and healthcare to individuals in need. Rooted in Catholic values, it has a long-standing commitment to uplifting marginalized communities, making it a fitting cause for NFL players dedicated to giving back to society.

Player Contributions

• Abraham Lucas, an offensive tackle for the Seahawks, selected SVdP to emphasize the organization’s mission of aiding the poor and marginalized. His cleats feature designs symbolizing the organization’s core values of compassion and service.
• Jon Runyan, a guard for the Packers, echoed similar sentiments, expressing admiration for SVdP’s hands-on approach to helping communities in need. His cleats further draw attention to the work of local chapters in Wisconsin.
• Zach Tom, also representing the Packers, complemented Runyan’s efforts, advocating for increased awareness of SVdP’s impact in tackling systemic poverty across the United States.

The “My Cause My Cleats” Initiative

Since its inception in 2016, this campaign has allowed NFL players to advocate for diverse causes, ranging from mental health to social justice. Players design their cleats in collaboration with artists to encapsulate their chosen causes visually. After the games, many players auction their cleats to raise funds directly for the featured organizations.

This partnership between NFL athletes and charitable organizations demonstrates the power of sports to inspire social change. For SVdP, being represented on such a prominent stage amplifies its outreach, encouraging fans and communities to join its mission of serving those in need.