Steelers players can often be seen wearing custom cleats during pregame warmups, but this week against the Cleveland Browns custom cleats will be the norm during the game.

For the ninth straight year the NFL is allowing players to represent a charity that touches them deeply in a unique manner with the league's player cause initiative, My Cause My Cleats.

The initiative was created for NFL players to showcase a charitable cause in order to bring attention to it, and the players take part in helping with the design of their cleats.

After the players wear the cleats, they have the option to auction them off to raise money for their cause on NFL Auction, with 100% of the funds raised given to the charity. Fans may bid on player cleats at NFL.com/Auction.

Learn more about what causes are special to Steelers' players below and check back for updated photos of their cleats.

Calvin Anderson
Cause: Lanihun-Anderson Foundation

Offensive tackle Calvin Anderson is supporting a cause close to his heart this week for his cleats.

Anderson, and his wife Sheree Lanihun-Anderson, started the Lanihun-Anderson Foundation to serve as a baseline of financial health and peace for others. Their mission is to bridge the financial disparity gap by providing knowledge, resources and opportunities to others.

"We started the foundation with a focus on financial literacy," said Anderson. "Both of us have identified that a lot of people, especially in their early adult life, are distracted by trying to manage their finances and understand how to budget. Really simple principles that I think they would benefit greatly from if they learned those as early as possible. So, we try to target high school and middle school aged kids and just teach them fundamental financial literacy building blocks, like how to budget and what to do when you have a certain amount of money. When they get their first job, for example, they can build a structure that hopefully when they grow into having a professional income, that they have some understanding of what they want to do with their money so they can alleviate that stress and focus on the things that everybody has. Aptitudes that they are gifted with so they can focus on those things as opposed to figuring out how to do with finances."

Anderson majored in mathematical economics with a minor in business in college, so he understands first-hand how important learning young about financial management is.

"I studied mathematical economics, and in my adult life, I now appreciate how valuable it is to have learned some of the financial principles I learned when I was younger," said Anderson. "So, to be able to give back in the way that we do and to be gifted the platform that I've been able to be gifted through the NFL, it's extremely satisfying just to feel like you're helping one person at a time."

Spencer Anderson
Cause: Autism Speaks

Spencer Anderson's heart told him that the cause he chose for his cleats as a part of My Cause My Cleats was the right choice to make.

While it's nothing that has touched his family directly, it has impacted several people close to him and that is why he selected Autism Speaks to represent with his cleats.

"I feel like it's one of those things that isn't talked about often enough," said Anderson. "One of my close friends is autistic. I have known a lot of people growing up that were autistic. I feel like a lot of people don't understand. It's kind of frowned upon. People will whisper, will say he has autism you have to be easy with him.

"They are normal people. I have interacted with many of them. It's not talked about enough. The cases aren't as common as cancer, mental health, but it's something people should be aware of.

"I have a close family friend, a friend of my mom's, and she has a son who has been autistic his whole life. Interacting with him you know they are real people, they interact normally. They have their moments, but they can do good in society and in the world. It's not something that they should be looked down upon, or shunned, or turn a cold shoulder."

Anderson welcomes the opportunity to be an advocate for those with autism, whether it's through his cleats or just in daily life. He knows they are the same as him, people who can lead a normal life, but just might have some obstacles to overcome as they do.

"They can be way smarter than most of us," said Anderson. "I went to school with someone who had autism and he was way smarter than all of us. You could have jar of marbles, and he could just look at it and tell you the number of marbles in the jar and he would be right. You would be, like, wow. You just have to work with some of them socially.

"I just want to raise awareness that people with autism shouldn't be treated any differently."

Keeanu Benton
Cause: United Cerebral Palsy

When friends become family, you want to do everything you can to help them.

And that is the case for Keeanu Benton and his cleats.

Benton is supporting United Cerebral Palsy with his cleats, a motor disability that affects a person's ability to move and maintain balance and posture.

"My best friend's brother has cerebral palsy," said Benton, referring to Sam Coulter who has lived with the disorder most of his life. "That is like my second family. I moved in with them my junior year of high school. I got a different perspective of disabilities and what they mean.

"He has such an impact on my life and it means a lot to me to wear him on my shoes and go out there and play with him right there."

Benton said living with the family opened his eyes to how people with disabilities are viewed and in many cases, he wants to change that view.

"Growing up, I felt like disabilities got treated in a bad manner," said Benton. "But it's just a part of what makes that person who they are. He has cerebral palsy and some seizure disorders, but being around him and seeing his personality, what he loves, what he lights up about. He is verbal but he isn't on the level he should be at 32 years old.

"He has an impact on my life and that is why I want to do this."

Beanie Bishop Jr.
Cause: WVU Medicine Children's Hospital

Helping kids is something that is near and dear to rookie nickelback Beanie Bishop Jr., so it was easy for him to choose a cause for his cleats.

Biship wanted to do the WVU Medicine Children's Hospital to bring attention to the great work being done there and the happiness you can bring to a child's day with a simple visit or kind gesture.

"Just seeing those kids is what it's about," said Bishop. "Some of them, they don't know when they're going home, if they're going home at all. Being able to kind of build relationships with those kids and see the joy and be able to cause joy in their life, even if it's for 30 minutes or whatever, it's something I enjoy. I just want to do what I can and just try to be that little beam of light."

Bishop visited the hospital multiple times while he played one season at West Virginia University, and since signing with the Steelers he has also made a visit to UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh.

He has a soft spot for the kids, knowing that it's the little things that mean the most.

"Here in Pittsburgh, I had the chance to go visit the kids at Children's Hospital," said Bishop. "It's the same thing I did in West Virginia. I went there a few times throughout the season and offseason, just spending time with some of those kids."

One thing it taught Bishop was to count his blessings and realize how good he has it.

"It's all about trying to put a smile on those kids face, to make their day," said Bishop. "Even if it's only for a short amount of time, just being able to do that and see those kids smile is special.

"It helps me a lot as well. Those kids don't know what they have and whatever's going on. And I don't ever ask about it.

"I have nothing to complain about, especially going to see those kids. It makes you look at life a little bit differently."

Dylan Cook
Cause: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Project

Home is where the heart is, and when people in your home area are impacted by something, you want to help.

That is why Dylan Cook is wearing his cleats to help bring attention to a segment of the population that is oftentimes forgotten through the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Project.

Cook is from Butte, Montana, where the Native American population is part of the community. And it's a community that is disproportionately being impacted by issues such as human trafficking.

"It's such a prominent issue in Montana," said Cook. "It's an issue that's close to home. I feel like it doesn't get the recognition it should. We all talk about human trafficking and all that, but I feel like that demographic, indigenous people, are the main demographic of what's going on. I feel like the least I could do is use my platform to raise some money for them."

And it's about more than that. It's about bringing attention to their plight, the battle they are facing without many even knowing it's happening.

"In Montana, we have around seven reservations and people's lack of knowledge on it is just so prevalent," said Cook. "People just worry about themselves and look the other way and it's crazy. You could ask anyone in Montana, and they personally have been impacted by it in some sort of way, whether they know somebody or a family member or something.

"I just want to bring awareness to it because I feel like not a lot of other people are."

Cook's hope is with the NFL allowing him and others to share their causes, it might bring the attention that makes a difference.

"It's incredible. It's so awesome," said Cook. "It's such an awesome opportunity for the organizations that we choose to get themselves out there and get some publicity. It's awesome."

Zach Frazier
Cause: UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh

About a month ago, when the Steelers rookie class made a visit to UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, center Zach Frazier was unable to go because he was just coming off an ankle injury and wasn't able to walk around comfortably.

He was disappointed he couldn't do it, but knew he wanted to do something to make up for it when the time arose.

That is why Frazier chose the hospital to support with his cleats.

Frazier visited VWU Medicine Children's Hospital when he played for the Mountaineers, something he always enjoyed, so he wanted to pay it forward in Pittsburgh.

"In college, one of my favorite things to do was go and visit the local children's hospital in West Virginia," said Frazier. "I haven't had the opportunity to go to the one here in Pittsburgh yet, but I want to."

Frazier said he draws inspiration from the kids, knowing that any battle he has had to face, they have it so much harder and they never complain.

"You see what they are going through and it makes you realize that what you are doing isn't hard," said Frazier. "It gives you a lot of perspective. If I can do anything to help them have a little bit of a better day, I will do it.

"Anything I can do to bring awareness, help them out anyway, that is what I am doing.

"It's really cool the NFL provides this opportunity. Coming from college we never had anything like this. Them allowing us to do this, it makes it special."

Pat Freiermuth
Cause: Reid's Rebels

When Paula Garrant first learned that Pat Freiermuth was wearing his cleats to support Reid's Rebels, a foundation set up to honor her late son Reid Garrant, her heart exploded.

"It means everything. In one word, everything," said Garrant. "I am going to cry."

She paused for a few minutes, too choked up to talk.

After composing herself, she continued to talk about her son Reid, who passed away in 2018 of leukemia at just 22-years old.

"It's pretty big," said Garrant. "I miss my son. It happened so quickly when the whole leukemia thing happened. It was 16 hours from the time he was diagnosed until he died. It was crazy.

"My son Reid played with Pat and his brother, Timmy. My son was a senior when Pat was a freshman. We are from the same hometown, the same school. It just means so much."

Freiermuth said he wanted to bring attention to Garrant and the foundation, hoping to help others battling the same disease, so he is wearing cleats to support them once again.

"It means a lot," said Freiermuth. "Just being able to wear those cleats and put recognition to that foundation. Reid's mom has worked so hard to get her son's name out there. Being able to help in that process on a national stage like that is awesome.

"It is cool. The more eyes on the cleats, the better. That is what really helps the cause."

One of the things that touches Garrant's heart the most is that Reid was a Steelers fan his entire life and would have been overjoyed that Freiermuth was drafted by them.

"Reid's favorite team from the time he was born, he had no choice because of his dad, was the Steelers," said Garrant. "He came out in black and gold. Pat doing this not only for his teammates, friends, family, our community and Reid's organization, it means so much.

"When he was drafted by the Steelers, it was a divine intervention. It means so much to me. This is like a dream. Unfortunately, my son is not physically here, but I feel like spiritually he is going to be with us that day and see Pat with those cleats on fighting for kids with leukemia."

Nick Herbig
Cause: HerbieGives

Nick Herbig was challenged when he was in college at the University of Wisconsin by his professor, award-winning instructor Don Stanley, to do a project for his media marketing class.

It was from that project that Herbig came up with the idea for HerbieGives, something that started as a social media project that has turned into a non-profit along with his brother, Steelers center Nate Herbig, in Kaua'i, Hawaii.

The purpose is to uplift student-athletes in Hawaii and transform lives through education and sports. And he is proud to share their cause on his cleats this year.

"It started in college because I had a class with Don Stanley, a media marketing class," said Herbig. "We had to come up with a plan to market a foundation or a charitable cause.

"I always wanted to do something for back home, so I started the project as a way I can give back to my community. It started off as me just like posting stuff on an Instagram page I made. I was giving out information, because where we're from in Hawaii, there isn't a lot of information about getting to that next level. I was just trying to educate them with what camps you should be going to, how to go about your SAT's, all of that.

"That's how it started. And then it caught traction and turned into something bigger. When my brother and I went home last year, we got a chance to do a football camp. So that kind of blew it up even more.

"It keeps gaining more traction and it's something that I can be proud of."

For Herbig, giving back to where he is from is something that touches his heart and makes him beyond proud.

"The thing I've been blessed with throughout my journey, my career, is I wouldn't be here by myself," said Herbig. "There's a lot of people who gave to me and sacrificed for me and gave me opportunities that I wouldn't have had if I was by myself. So just being able to give back, even if I can just change one kid's life, that means the world to me."

Cameron Heyward
Cause: The Heyward House

One of the ugliest words Cameron Heyward will ever hear is cancer.

It's a word that rocked his world, when he was a teenager, and his father, Craig "Ironhead" Heyward, died of brain cancer.

His father died when he was just 16-years old, the summer before his senior year of high school. Craig 'Ironhead' Heyward, who played at the University of Pittsburgh and in the NFL, had to give up football in 1999 because of a tumor that impacted his vision in the right eye. They thought that was the end of things, but it wasn't. He suffered a stroke, becoming paralyzed on the right side.

"He was working to walk for my senior night," Heyward shared. "Before that happened, the summer before my senior year, he ended up passing away while I was at a basketball camp. My mom had to be the one to tell me. I remember that day clearly, looking for my mom, not knowing what was happening. I could feel everybody was being very delicate with me. When I found my mom, she had to share that with me. I know that was hard for her to share. I understood the strength she showed. From that moment, I got to see the strength she showed after that."

Heyward has made cancer awareness a passion for him through his foundation, as the reigning Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year has done event after event over the years to keep his father's memory in the forefront, while honoring all who have fought or lost their battle.

And he is continuing that by representing The Heyward House and cancer awareness with his cleats.

"Every year that goes by, this is just a great opportunity to raise money and awareness towards cancer," said Heyward. "Whether it's kids or adults, it's everybody. It's something that everybody's got to deal with.

"Usually everybody knows somebody who is dealing with it hard to deal with because it affects our loved ones.

"Doing this, bringing attention to them, it doesn't bring back the person you lost, but hopefully can help one another person."

Alex Highsmith
Cause: Highsmith Family Foundation and International Justice Mission

For Alex Highsmith, giving back is something that comes naturally to him, a reflection of the way he was raised. So, when it came to deciding on his cleats, he knew he wanted to spread the awareness around, not just focusing on one area, but two.

He is representing the Highsmith Family Foundation and the Internation Justice Mission (IJM) with his cleats, two causes that touch his heart deeply.

The Highsmith Family Foundation does work in the Pittsburgh area, as well as his hometown and college towns of Wilmington and Charlotte, North Carolina.

"Our mission is to give back and to impact the youth in those areas," said Highsmith. "I know how important it is to invest in the next generation in so many different ways. And so that's just something that's important to me."

Highsmith has hosted multiple back to school events through his foundation and has also helped those in the community who are struggling, including the homeless.

"Ultimately, I know that I can make a lasting difference in the community," said Highsmith. "Just by going out and doing different things with the kids and being a role model for them, that's what matters to me most."

Highsmith has also been involved with bringing attention to IJM, a global organization that protects people in poverty from violence. They partner with local authorities in 16 countries to combat trafficking and slavery, violence against women and children and police abuse of power.

"This is an important issue today that's not talked about enough," said Highsmith. "I wore my cleats for them last year and I wanted to do it again just because I think it's important to continue to raise awareness. It's still going on and something that still needs to be talked about."

Miles Killebrew
Cause: Café Momentum

As a member of the Steelers Social Justice Committee, special teams captain Miles Killebrew has taken the time to truly learn about organizations in the Pittsburgh area that are trying to make a difference in the lives of at-risk youth.

One such organization is Café Momentum, something that sounds like a great place to grab a meal, but it's so much more.

"I decided to partner with them this year just because I'm a huge believer in what they're doing. I'm a big fan of their work in the community. We are a community partner with them already. I just wanted to double down on that and just kind of reinforce my stance on being supportive of them.

Café Momentum Pittsburgh opened in 2023 as a place where Pittsburghers can go and enjoy fine dining.

More than that, it offers a culinary internship to teens 15 to 19 who are justice-involved. Café Momentum, which originated in Dallas, provides a transformative experience through a 12-month paid post-release internship program. Participants rotate through the restaurant, focusing on life and social skills, coaching and development.

Their mission is to transform young lives by equipping Pittsburgh's justice-involved youth with life skills, education and employment opportunities to help them achieve their full potential.

"I actually was at the downtown location recently and we were able to just talk," said Killebrew. "I was able to meet with one of the interns. And it was a really great time. I presented him, Nico was his name, with a pair of cleats just for him. So, it was a cool moment.

"I'm really excited about the work that they're doing in Pittsburgh and fully stand behind them 100 percent."

What Killebrew appreciates is the organization is giving kids a chance, kids who were impacted in some way or another through the justice system.

"I find in a lot of cases, these youth, they just need someone to believe in them and to offer them an alternative," said Killebrew. "That's what they're doing there. And it's needed.

"I am just really proud to be associated with such a strong organization."

Christian Kuntz
Cause: Kuntz 4 Ki6s Foundation

Christian Kuntz is Pittsburgh through and through, so it comes as no surprise that his foundation, Kuntz 4 Ki6s Foundation, supports youth in the Pittsburgh area in multiple ways.

Kuntz main focus for the foundation is youth sports, himself growing up in the Pittsburgh sports scene from youth football, through high school, college and now in the NFL.

"My focus is to provide for the youth in Pittsburgh, whether that's the Boys & Girls Club in Pittsburgh, my own football camp, other players football camps," said Kuntz. "I want to raise money, give back to the youth, make their football playing experience better."

While that is the main focus, he isn't limiting himself.

"If kids are hungry, I want to help out in that area," said Kuntz. "Whatever I can do to help the youth in this area, I will."

Kuntz held his first ever youth football camp this past summer, and also partnered on a Pittsburgh themed pickleball paddle to benefit the foundation and held a golf outing.

"My golf outing and youth camp this year, I saw the difference I can make, the people that get behind it to help raise money for it," said Kuntz. "It's awesome. It's special.

"People messaged me because I also helped raise money for Cystic Fibrosis this offseason, and people will tell me their child has CF and what it meant to them. It's moments like that, messages like that, that makes it all worth it."

With the foundation still rather new, Kuntz loves the opportunity to bring attention to it through his cleats.

"That is going to be cool, especially because it's my own foundation and something I am proud of," said Kuntz. "Every guy that is out there wearing their cleats has a special place in their heart for why they are wearing their cleats and it's all for a good reason."

Logan Lee
Cause: Athletes in Action

Logan Lee has a long connection with Athletes in Action, which includes taking part in a service trip to Ecuador through Iowa's Athletes in Action when he was a student-athlete there.

Lee, along with more than a dozen other athletes, distributed water filters to 86 families without access to clean water.

"In the villages, they had running water, but it was like muddy, muddy water," said Lee at the time. "Many of the people just drank straight from it."

It was that trip, and many other moments with Athletes in Action, that made his decision to support them with his cleats an easy one.

"I've been impacted by them in so many ways," said Lee. "I've been blessed in my life, and I want to share the initiative and help bring words to those in Athletes in Action who have helped me grow so much in my faith.

"I was a leader at Iowa's Athletes in Action for three years and they have a couple of camps that they run called the Ultimate Training Camp. Those have really helped me grow in my faith, allowed me to really just develop, develop my faith on a more intimate level and allow me to help apply faith to my sport while I'm participating.

"Not just praying before, not just praying after, but during the midst of competition, trying to stay with the Lord and make that a priority.

"The biggest thing is I've always had a great relationship with Christ. But by making that the number one priority and involving him in every area of my life, not making him just a subsector piece of my life, but involvement in everything I do."

Lee is thankful the NFL allows players to represent causes that are near and dear to them, not for their own benefit, but to bring rightful attention to worthwhile endeavors.

"It's awesome," said Lee. "It's pretty neat being able to see so many guys find a nonprofit that has either helped them or that they feel passionate about and being able to help share that. Share that with people so that they can help grow these great organizations that have helped so many people around the world. It's just pretty neat."

Isaiahh Loudermilk
Cause: Cancer Bridges

Whenever the opportunity arises to honor those who are breast cancer survivors, Isaiahh Loudermilk is right there.

Loudermilk has taken part in a UPMC Heathy Cooking Demo for breast cancer patients and proudly wears the Crucial Catch Steelers merchandise.

This year, he is wearing his cleats to support Cancer Bridges, an organization that supports cancer patients, including those battling breast cancer.

And the reason for his devotion to the cause is simple.

His mother, Stacy Howell, is a breast cancer survivor.

"I am blessed because she is all cured from it now," said Loudermilk. "She was diagnosed when I was a sophomore in high school. Those next few years were kind of rough. It's something I want to bring attention to. It's something that is near and dear to me.

"It means a lot to me because I have gone through that with my mom. I am super close to her. I know she was struggling when she went through it. I know because I was in high school, she tried to keep that from me and the rest of my siblings. I pay attention to things, and I saw how much she was struggling with it. For me to be able to go out and do things to help support this cause means a lot to me and I know it means a lot to her too."

While she was going through her battle, her love and support for her son never faltered, always there for him for football, school events, and anything else he needed.

"Even when she was going through treatment, she was always there to support me," said Loudermilk. "I finished high school and went off to college and she was still going through that, but the biggest supporter of me. Anything I can do to support her, I am going to do it any chance I get."

Loudermilk knew his mom tried to hide as much of what she was going through from him to protect him, but he could see how difficult it was, even though she showed tremendous strength through her battle.

"She is one of the strongest people I know," said Loudermilk. "Of course, she was scared, she was sad about it. She never showed that to me. That helped me get through it. I knew she was strong through it. I can't even imagine being in that position and being as strong as she was."

When it was time to leave for college at the University of Wisconsin, Loudermilk was happy his mom was close to the end of her treatment, but it still wasn't easy.

"It was tough," said Loudermilk. "It was toward the end of her treatment when I left for college and things were looking good. But it was still tough to leave, knowing she was struggling back at home with something like that. When I first went to school, I called her every day. We talked every day. I was still there for her, still trying to help her.

"At the same time, she was there to help me because she knows how I am. I am a momma's boy. Being away from home was hard. We helped each other through it. I know she helped me, and I hope I was able to help her."

Tyler Matakevich
Cause: Show Your Soft Side

Tyler Matakevich had no intention of getting a puppy when he went to do a photo shoot for Show Your Soft Side, a public service campaign that was created to change the mindset of young people who 'view the maiming and torturing of defenseless cats and dogs as a sign of toughness.'

The organization helps find homes for dogs and cats who are considered 'rescue' pets, those abandoned or taken from abusive situations.

As soon as the Labrador puppy sat on his lap, his softer side came out and he was a goner.

"It was like they set me up," laughed Matakevich. "I had to take her home."

Matakevich is wearing his cleats to support Show Your Soft Side, an organization he got involved with through the family of a former Temple University teammate. She asked him to do the photo shoot, and he was more than happy to oblige.

"I walked into the room and there were about five or six puppies, all black labs," said Matakevich. "They gave me one. Within 10 minutes she just fell asleep right in my arms. I was like, wow you set me up. I can't give her back. That happened on a Friday, my girlfriend picked her up on Saturday and I had her on a Sunday."

That was several years ago, and Bailey is part of Matakevich's life, and he wouldn't want it any other way.

"Just being around them and realizing they don't have a place to go," said Matakevich. "I wish I would have taken them all. I donate now to their fundraisers. They keep me updated on everything they have going on. You just feel so good knowing you are helping a good cause and giving these dogs a good home. If I do it again, I won't leave empty handed."

Ryan McCollum
Cause: Wounded Warriors Project

Center Ryan McCollum has a strong appreciation for those who have served our country in the military, and continue to serve, especially with both of his grandfathers among the numerous members of his family who have served, and several cousins who are active duty.

That is why he chose Wounded Warrior Project to support on his cleats, an organization he feels good about in the way they help veterans.

"I just think it's a good organization," said McCollum. "They have a good mission. I believe in what they stand for and what they do. So, if there's any way that I could help them out, I would love to. I think it's really important that we take care of our veterans.

"I texted my cousin (who is active duty) about it and he agreed with me. He told me that he thought that was a really good one. So that's why I decided to go with them."

Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) began in 2003 as a small, grassroots effort providing simple care and comfort items to wounded service members returning home from the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

It has evolved tremendously, to programs such as mental health, career counseling, and long-term rehabilitative care, along with advocacy efforts to improve the lives of warriors and their families.

One of the aspects McCollum likes about the way Wounded Warriors takes care of veterans is they do address the mental health side, as well as the physical well-being of the veteran.

"People don't ask others how are you doing," said McCollum. "They just ask physically how are you doing, not mentally. I think it's really important to check on those people and give them the services they need and the care they need and just being an ear for them to talk to."

Mason McCormick
Cause: UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh

When guard Mason McCormick recently spent time visiting patients at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh with his fellow rookies, something touched him.

It touched him so much, that McCormick decided to represent the hospital with his cleats, giving something back to kids who fight so hard.

"Going to see those kids really had an impact on me," said McCormick. "We like to think that we go there and have an impact on them. But it definitely impacted me. It was a super cool experience. And I look forward to going back there when I can."

McCormick said the visit made him stop and think about the little things that sometimes bother him, and realize they are just that, little things.

"It puts things into perspective," said McCormick. "Just seeing them so happy and living in the moment even with the adversity that they have.

"It's pretty cool to see them smiling.

"It definitely provides some perspective on life and just living in the moment and enjoying each day. It's super cool to be able to support a group like this. It's awesome."

Larry Ogunjobi
Cause: American Heart Association/Childhood Obesity

Larry Ogunjobi is reaching back to his childhood in support of his cleats, wanting to make sure the message he delivers about how he grew up can be a lesson for kids today.

Ogunjobi is supporting the American Heart Association and childhood obesity, something he admits he dealt with as a kid.

"I was obese when I was growing up," said Ogunjobi. "I didn't start playing football until my sophomore year in high school. I was about 350 pounds. I understand the struggles for kids that are overweight. I know football changed my life. So being able to highlight a cause that changed my life for the better is very important to me."

Ogunjobi was more interested in playing video games than football growing up, but that all changed when he got a push to sign up for the Ragsdale High football team in Jamestown, North Carolina.

Ogunjobi put his mind to getting in shape to make the team, and he did just that.

"I had a coach my sophomore year of high school," said Ogunjobi. "My dad met him at the park, and he wanted to help. I didn't really know anything about football or anything like that, but he just wanted to help me lose weight.

"He trained me for about a month or so and one day we were driving by the high school, and he said you are going to play football. I said, no, I'm not. He said yes, you are. We got into an argument. He took me to the front office, got the permission slip and my mom signed it.

"I was on the football field that Saturday. When I finished the workout, I couldn't finish the sprints. And that was the end of practice. The next day they came up to me and said, Larry, are you still here. I said, yes, I am still here. In my head I was thinking because I have to be.

"I went through my junior varsity season and got the award for most improved JV player. And I went from 350 the summer of my sophomore year to 247 the summer of my junior year. I lost around 100 pounds in a year."

Knowing that it took an awakening for him to develop from the kid who had no interest in playing sports and would rather sit around playing video games, to the professional athlete he is today, has inspired Ogunjobi to do his part to help kids.

He holds an annual football camp at his high school, encouraging kids to get out and be active and give it a shot.

"I understand that it's important to be active and not live a sedentary life, be able to move around," said Ogunjobi. "Get out there and do things you enjoy doing. Find the things you like, the things you don't like, and do the things you like. Expose yourself to things.

"I was a kid that just liked to play video games, I didn't do anything else. Then I was introduced to football, and it became my life. I want to be an outlet and light for kids who might not know where they want to go and show them that it's possible for them too.

"Just give it a chance. Step out of your comfort zone. You might end up liking it more than you thought you would."

Ayo Oyelola
Cause: Lives not Knives

For defensive back Ayo Oyelola, choosing his cause for his cleats was easy because of what is happening as of late in his home of London, England.

Violence with knives has become way too commonplace, and Oyelola has aligned with Lives not Knives, a youth-led organization that is working to prevent knife crime, serious youth violence and anti-social behavior.

"I worked with them before and I want to do more for them," said Oyelola. "There is a knife crime epidemic in London. It's a pretty big deal.

"In 2023, I went back to London, and I did an event with them. It was about raising awareness about it. We talked about why you don't have to carry a knife, why it's not necessary.

"I'm just trying to impact the community I grew up in because I've been impacted by knife crime personally. I have friends who have been impacted by it. It hits home, so it's pretty important to me.

"It means everything to do this. I think I'm very fortunate to be where I am and I want to use the little platform I have in the best way I can."

Oyelola has visited schools in the London area to share the message, handing out merchandise to the kids and hosting flag football.

"We taught the kids about the sport, engaged with them," said Oyelola. "Then we did a Q & A with the kids where they could ask questions and learn more, help them. It was really fun, and I think everyone enjoyed it,"

James Pierre
Cause: Glimmer of Hope Foundation

James Pierre has a soft spot in his heart for those battling cancer. He knows the fight they are going through is real, that it's painful for them and those around them. And he knows people are fighting the battle at a younger and younger age.

Pierre is using his cleats to represent a Glimmer of Hope Foundation, a Pittsburgh organization that aim is to provide services, programs, research, and technology that prevents breast cancer from advancing.

The research aspect is something that stuck out in Pierre's mind, as Glimmer of Hope is at the forefront of some of the most advanced breast cancer research in the country.

"I want to make an impact on different types of people," said Pierre. "I did my research, and what they do is great research to help people, to help prevent people from getting cancer and to help people who are battling cancer. I just wanted to do something to help them."

Early detection is a battle cry for many organizations involved in the fight against cancer, and Glimmer of Hope is no different as the disease is hitting women at early ages.

"People need to understand what can happen to their body not just when they get older, but now too," said Pierre. "It's important to always know what is going on with ourselves, to be on top of things. Hopefully bringing attention helps even one person."

Pierre is grateful for the opportunity to share Glimmer of Hope's mission on his cleats, knowing the impact it can have is far reaching.

"Everything in the NFL is a privilege," said Pierre. "Just being here, all the resources we have to connect with other people. If we can all come together and do something and bring more attention to this, we have to do it."

Joey Porter Jr.
Cause: Jasmine Nyree Day Center/Campus

There aren't many young football players that know what life after football is going to entail for them, but there also aren't many who have committed so much of themselves to a special cause as cornerback Joey Porter Jr.

Along with the rest of his family, he has given his heart and soul to the Jasmine Nyree Day Center in Pittsburgh and Bakersfield, California, a campus that truly is a beacon of hope for adults with developmental issues. Among those who have benefited from the center is Porter's older sister, Jasmine, or 'Jazzy' as she is known to those who love her, who was diagnosed with autism as a very young child.

Because of her autism, Jazzy is non-verbal and requires continuous care. And that is where the Jasmine Nyree Center came into play.

It started in Porter's hometown of Bakersfield, California, and eventually Pittsburgh, after his mother, Christy Porter, learned there were families that weren't able to secure care for their kids or adult children because of lack of insurance and resources. She worked endlessly to open three centers in Bakersfield, encompassing different age groups and then the Jasmine Nyree Campus in Pittsburgh, where the Porters have settled.

"I am super proud of my mom, the determination to do what she did and continues to do it, it's super hard," said Porter. "Just going without having guidance and still making it. The fact that she was able to do it in Pittsburgh was a big plus for her. She doesn't get enough credit for it."

Porter majored in rehabilitation and human services at Penn State University, with the plan to take over management of the center one day because of his passion for helping those like his sister.

"I planned my college education based on what I want to do later in life, which everyone should do," said Porter. "It was tough, the classes were hard, but I had a purpose behind it, so it gave me more of a reason to finish it.

"We have been doing this for so long, since I was young. Now that I am growing into a role where later in life, I am going to take over the business and do what my mom and dad did just at a higher level. It's been an amazing process. To be a part of it step by step has been great."

For now, though, his passion is simply being there for his sister.

"I love her," said Porter. "It's that unconditional love. That is something my family has with her. We can tell her we love her, but she can never tell us she loves us. But we know she does.

"She is also a big football fan. Any time she gets to see me play, she loves it. She is smiling. It's great to put on for her.

"Even though I am the little brother, I am the big brother. I am very protective of my sister. That is how I am with all of my family. We are super protective of each other and love each other dearly."

Porter went through a brief time as a kid when it was hard to understand what his sister was dealing with, and he is hoping by wearing his cleats and speaking out he can bring more attention to what those who have autism deal with and are capable of.

"My mom and dad did such a great job of explaining it all to us, and coaching us through the process," said Porter. "It wasn't that difficult for us. We love her no matter what, never a doubt about it. Whatever issues we have in the journey, we face it."

Patrick Queen
Cause: TAPS and Military Appreciation

Patrick Queen has a deep respect for those who serve our country. It's something that is inside of him, something that has grown, especially when he sees others not share that same level of respect.

That is why he simply wants to show his support of veterans on his cleats, an overall show of respect for the men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country, as well as TAPS. TAPS is the national nonprofit organization providing compassionate care and comprehensive resources to all those grieving a death in the military or veteran community.

"Just recently, with social media becoming more of a platform for things that take place, you get to see stuff and see how they're treated," said Queen. "All the stuff they went through in the past, and then them coming back home and the stuff they go through. I feel like we don't take care of them enough.

"I feel like there are way more opportunities out there for us to be able to help those guys out when they come back, having places for them and better ways to help them transition away from that type of life that they had to live.

"And just to say thank you. So, my little appreciation with the cleats, there is way more we can do, but it's just a little token of appreciation."

Queen understands that he has the privilege of playing a game he loves because of the freedom we have in this country, which is provided by the sacrifices of those who have served.

"This is the best country in the world," said Queen. "The freedom that we have, all of the stuff that we get to do that not most countries get to do and stuff. This is just a little token of appreciation."

Elandon Roberts
Cause: Healthy Start

Elandon Roberts chose an organization that touches his heart with Healthy Start.

Healthy Start's mission is to improve Black maternal and child health and to reduce poor birth outcomes and infant mortality in Allegheny County.

Roberts and his wife, Tori, are parents of three children, so they understand the importance of a healthy start for the mother and child. Healthy Start provides home visits, prenatal education, and mental health programs, among many other services for families.

"Because me and my wife, through the process of the birth for our kids, we choose to home birth for two of them, the midwife route, just because of the way some of my wife's appointments went," said Roberts. "She was a little uncomfortable. So we started doing our at home birth and because of how successful our home births were and how comfortable my wife was, it gave us that opportunity that we wanted to give back to other upcoming mothers, giving them an opportunity to enjoy healthy delivery."

Roberts also hosted a baby shower for expectant moms who are part of the program at Hosanna House, which included gifts, educational programs, kids activities and more.

"The work that Healthy Start does is important to me because me and my wife did research, and we noticed in Allegheny County, there are more Black women passing away from births or discovering defects at birth," said Roberts. "We wanted to make sure that we set our platform that we were able to help and put another hand in a pot to help out with this cause.

"I just want to support them any way that I can. We want to be involved and help out any way we can."

Darnell Washington
Cause: Military Appreciation

Darnell Washington has a soft spot in his heart for those who have, and continue to, serve in the United States military.

And it's easy to understand why.

Washington's older brother, Ezekiel, is a United States Marine.

Washington, who is one of seven kids in his family, spent time in foster care when he was younger, separated from some of his siblings, with the exception of Ezekiel. It was his older brother who helped to guide him and shape his life.

"He's the one who showed me the ropes and helped me be on the path I have today," said Washington. "He showed me a lot. I learned a lot from him. He was always the big brother who kept me on track, told me don't hang out with that crowd or make sure to lock in on things. He always kept me on the right path. I'm thankful for that.

"I also thank him for his service. I just want to thank everybody who served or is serving currently for what they do every day to protect us. They're the ones who protect our country."

Washington said he was aware before he even got into the NFL what the league and players did to honor the military, and he is thrilled to be a part of that legacy with his cleats.

"In college, or even before college, I would see the NFL teams partnering with the military. Now I'm in the NFL and appreciate what I can do and do my part to say thank you."

T.J. Watt
Cause: UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh

For T.J. Watt, nothing brings him more pleasure than causing havoc for opposing quarterbacks on the field.

But, there is a completely different side to Watt. A side that is on display when he visits the patients at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh.

Watt loves visiting the hospital, along with his wife Dani, every opportunity they get. He enjoys the time he spends with the patients, innocent kids who are sometimes fighting for their lives, but still happy as can be.

That is why Watt is supporting the hospital with his cleats, something that means the world to him as he and Dani are expecting their first child.

"With having a baby on the way, it just really puts things into perspective," said Watt. "Those kids don't pick the hand that they were dealt and those families, because it's more than just the kids, it's the support system that they have.

"My mission just really aligns with the mission that they have over at Children's Hospital, to provide everything they possibly can for those kids and their families. And every time I go there, I leave inspired."

Watt gets pure joy out of the visits, getting as much out of them as the kids do.

"The smiles is what I love," said Watt. "They help me forget about my life more than I feel like I help them forget about their life. And it's so special to just see the impact that we have on the community. I think it's so important for us to do things like visiting Children's Hospital because you get so cooped up in life and going to the facility, going home, repeating that. You don't realize the impact you have on the community until you go to a children's hospital and see kids' faces lighting up when you just want to have a conversation."

And when Watt does stop by the hospital to visit, not much is heard about it. And that's just the way he wants it to be.

"It's not about social media and letting everybody know what you're doing," said Watt. "I think it's more of an intimate setting when you don't have all the cameras, and it allows the kids to open up and be more comfortable around you. I think it's important to let the kids know that I'm not doing it for that reason. I'm not doing it for the cameras. I'm just doing it because I truly want to get to know them. I want to let the families know that I'm with them. I'm thinking about them, caring about them. And it's so fun to go with my wife and just to be able to have that experience.

"Whenever we can, I love to get over to the hospital. They do so many great things for the kids, whether it's the Dream Studio that they have there, or when we picked Halloween costumes with the kids. There are fun Thanksgiving and Christmas activities they do, and other things to help keep the kids minds off of the extreme procedures that they go through that make them heroes."

Payton Wilson
Cause: Convoy of Hope

When Payton Wilson saw what was happening in Western North Carolina during Hurricane Helene, it truly bothered the Steelers rookie linebacker.

Wilson, who is from Hillsborough, North Carolina and played at North Carolina State, knows people who live in the area and was devastated to see the damage that took place.

He wants to help the people in the area, wants to bring attention to the suffering they are still going through, the damage that is still there even if it's out of the headlines.

Wilson is teaming up with Convoy of Hope for his cleats, an organization that during natural and humanitarian disaster, responds with tangible aid and compassion. Convoy of Hope provides disaster relief, aiding those who are struggling with the bare necessities such as food, clean water, hygiene items, and more. They also provide long-term assistance, when possible, to help people rebuild and recover.

"I want to do something to help Western North Carolina," said Wilson. "Obviously, it's not on the news anymore as much, but it's still tough out in Western North Carolina. So just trying to bring as much as much notoriety and publicity to the area as I possibly can.

"The work that they do. It's an amazing organization and I'm just excited to help in some way."

Wilson said it's tough to know some people still don't have all the basics yet, but he also understands it takes time to rebuild. He has faith, though, that they will.

"I don't think that people truly understand what Western North Carolina is like," said Wilson. "It's similar to here in Pittsburgh almost. It's in the mountains, but it's a little smaller. The hurricane wiped out some of those small towns. People are still struggling. It's still tough out there. So, I'm just trying to bring as much publicity as I can because it feels like the news just kind of forgot about it."

Russell Wilson
Cause: Why Not You Foundation and V Foundation

Quarterback Russell Wilson is wearing his cleats this week to support his Why Not You Foundation as well as the V Foundation for Cancer Research.

Wilson started the Why Not You Foundation in 2014 to support education, children's health, fighting poverty, and empowering today's youth to lead with a why not you attitude. The mission is to empower change in the world, one individual at a time, and one child at a time.

"What I have learned is that to whom much is given, much is required," said Wilson. "I believe that.

"The NFL does a great job of allowing us players to really focus on the things that matter to us. For me and Ciara and our foundation, the Why Not You Foundation, we built it so we can focus on the youth.

"My dad and mom, and her parents too, instilled a why don't you attitude in us. We didn't come from much. We were young kids that had big dreams, and they worked their tails off to give us a chance and opportunity.

"That's the why not you attitude that's been instilled.

"We've been fortunate to be able help with childhood cancer, homelessness, food insecurities and education as well. We're really excited about the opportunity to obviously have an impact here in Pittsburgh and continue across the country."

Wilson has already made an impact in the Pittsburgh community with his work through the foundation, including donating $50,000 to the Boys & Girls Club of Western Pennsylvania.

The foundation has raised over $15 million for youth education and health organizations, helping countless individuals and making a difference in so many lives.

The Why Not You Foundation has also partnered with the V Foundation for Cancer Research, started by late North Carolina State basketball coach, Jim Valvano. Wilson is planning a future event with the foundation, and his cleats will represent both foundations.

"I'm excited because our Why Not You Foundation is also partnering up with the V Foundation," said Wilson. "We're on the board for the V Foundation, me and Ciara, and we've done some really cool things together and we're going to have an event in the spring to help raise funds for Why Not You Foundation and also the V Foundation.

"We're really excited about that and our continued partnership and relationship with the V Foundation. So the Why Not You Foundation and the V Foundation are partnering together and that's what I'm doing my cleats for."