NASHVILLE – The Titans will join other NFL teams on Sunday by making statements with their cleats.
For the sixth consecutive season, NFL players are raising awareness for non-profit organizations and causes on the field through the My Cause My Cleats campaign.
A total of 12 Titans signed up to participate for Sunday's game against the Jaguars, either in warmups or during the game.
Among those taking part: Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill, safety Kevin Byard, center Ben Jones and guard Rodger Saffold.
My Cause My Cleats is a player-led campaign that began in 2016.
Tannehill's cause is Lifewater International.
"We've seen hundreds if not thousands of lives changed by providing them clean water sources and providing the education to keep the water clean," Tannehill said.
Byard's cleats will pay tribute to the Byard Family Legacy Fund, his foundation.
Titans defensive lineman DL Larrell Murchison's cause is the Testicular Cancer Foundation. Murchison's brother, Farrell, was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2018.
"When we found out, it pushed me to be better both on and off the field so that I could accomplish the goal we both set for ourselves to play in the NFL," Murchison said. "We have always supported each other and we have a special bond, so it was hard seeing Farrell go through all the treatments and everything he had to overcome. He fought hard and I am so proud of him for beating cancer."
Since its inception in 2016, this player-led campaign has provided a platform to bring causes to the forefront on gameday. This year's causes across the NFL include topics such as tackling social injustice, supporting youth, addressing mental health, raising awareness for disability research, and empowering veterans. For this year's initiative, 17% of NFL players selected cancer research causes, 16% selected causes related to social justice, while 14% of players will raise awareness for additional disease prevention. Players worked with artists and cleat manufacturers to create their custom-designed cleats.
"'My Cause My Cleats' allows players to shine a light on the causes they hold dear and the incredible work they do to help others year-round," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said. "We are grateful and humbled by their commitment to make a difference and this program allows them to share their passions with the world."
Players have the option to raise funds for their cause of choice through auctioning their cleats on NFL Auction where 100% of funds raised will be donated to the charities they select. Fans may bid on player cleats at NFL.com/Auction and help raise funds for the causes nearest to their hearts. To learn more about each player's cause visit www.nfl.com/mycausemycleats.
Here's a look at the 12 players who will take part in the My Cause My Cleats campaign for Sunday's game vs the Jaguars, and their causes:
Player: S Kevin Byard.
Non-profit: The Byard Family Legacy Fund.
Cause: Community Outreach.
Designer: Kota Kustoms.
Why: The Byard Family Legacy Fund, founded by Kevin Byard and his wife Clarke, is about giving grace and never giving up. The foundation supports families while inspiring hope and to love to the community.
Player: S Matthias Farley.
Non-profit: The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
Cause: Mental Health.
Designer: Kota Kustoms.
Why: Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. By backing this cause and organization I hope to bring awareness to suicide prevention and encourage those who may be struggling to know they are not alone.
Player: TE Austin Fort.
Non-profit: Bring Change to Mind.
Cause: Mental Health.
Designer: Kota Kustoms.
Why: I believe that if we can all look at mental health a little differently and work together to prioritize our health in a new way, we can change the world for the better.
Player: TE Tommy Hudson.
Non-profit: Pat Tillman Foundation.
Cause: Military Appreciation/Support.
Designer: Kota Kustoms.
Why: Being an Arizona State alumni, the Pat Tillman story has inspired me more than he could know. The story of courage and determination is second to none. I would love to be able to show my support for all the men and women who live up to that standard.
Player: Center Ben Jones.
Non-profit: The Jones Mission/Tennessee Community Foundation.
Cause: The Jones Mission.
Designer: Kota Kustoms.
Why: The Jones Mission, founded by Ben and Alex Jones, provides at-risk youth with opportunities they might otherwise not have through grants, additional resources, and educational opportunities.
Player: OL Daniel Munyer.
Non-profit: Movember Foundation and Bunny's Buddies.
Cause: Men's health, prostate and testicular cancer and men's mental health. Also, animal rescue.
Designer: Kota Kustoms.
Why: I'm choosing to support two organizations. The Movember Foundation to bring awareness towards men's health. Movember does a great job in creating awareness as well as showing support for men battling prostate and/or testicular cancer as well as mental health including suicide globally. Bunny's Buddies helps to support rescue animals.
Player: DL Larrell Murchison.
Non-profit: Testicular Cancer Foundation.
Cause: Testicular Cancer Foundation.
Designer: Kota Kustoms.
Why: In August 2018, my twin brother Farrell was diagnosed with testicular cancer. When we found out, it pushed me to be better both on and off the field so that I could accomplish the goal we both set for ourselves to play in the NFL. We have always supported each other and we have a special bond, so it was hard seeing Farrell go through all the treatments and everything he had to overcome. He fought hard and I am so proud of him for beating cancer.
Player: WR Chester Rogers.
Non-profit: Cheatcode.
Cause: Mental health.
Designer: Kota Kustoms.
Why: "I chose them because I've been using their resources this whole season since day one. It's helped me and given me an edge by being able to focus on my mental health. I just want to bring awareness to it."
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Player: DL Kyle Peko.
Non-profit: Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Cause: Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Designer: Zach Taylor.
Why: "My wife was actually diagnosed with non-Hodgskin's lymphoma. She was stage 3 back in 2018. So that's why I chose that to represent. She is in remission (now). Everybody is doing good."
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Player: OL Dillon Radunz.
Non-profit: Becker Youth Association.
Cause: Youth Health/Wellness.
Designer: Kota Kustoms.
Why: I chose this organization because I believe youth sports has a large impact on kids in their development and because youth sports helped make me the man I am today.
Player: G Rodger Saffold.
Non-profit: Anxiety and Depression Association of America and the C4 Foundation.
Cause: Mental Health, and Mental and Physical Wellness for Navy SEALS and their families.
Designer: Kota Kustoms.
Why: "I went with ADAA because losing my family members filled me with grief, and it's nice to support that organization having dealt with my own anxiety and depression. For Chuck Heavy, it's to recognize somebody who chose a true act of selflessness, a Navy SEAL who saved his team and sacrificed everything for all of us."
Player: QB Ryan Tannehill.
Non-profit: Lifewater International.
Cause: Water.
Designer: Kota Kustoms.
Why: This is a cause that I have been working with for several years. We've seen hundreds if not thousands of lives changed by providing them clean water sources and providing the education to keep the water clean.
