Those watching Patriots games over the last few weeks may have noticed players rocking custom cleats. The annual NFL initiative, My Cause, My Cleats, allows NFL players and coaches to wear one-of-a-kind shoes to highlight an organization or issue they are passionate about.
These cleats are auctioned off through the NFL with money going towards the respective causes. The auction closes on Jan. 10, and as it stands, Patriots Director of Football/Head Coach Administration Berj Najarian leads all participants across the league with more than $12,000 bid on his sneakers benefiting the Armenia Fund.
While Najarian is not one for the spotlight, he is integral to the Patriots football operations, and as unrelenting drone strikes overwhelmed Armenia this fall, he stepped out of his comfort zone to raise awareness about the issue close to his heart.
On a recent episode of the "Do Your Part" podcast, Najarian said he wasn't surprised by the reaction from fellow Armenians and Armenian-Americans, but some NFL fans may be surprised to learn that neither a coach nor a player is leading the league in bids.
While Najarian is the front-runner in terms of bids, he isn't the only Patriot donating his cleats for his organization. You can check out a list of participating Patriots below.
The NFL Auction for My Cause, My Cleats closes on Jan. 10, so you don't want to wait.
- David Andrews, Warrior Dogs Foundation
- David Andrews, The State Police Association of Massachusetts
- Bill Belichick, Bill Belichick Foundation
- Brian Belichick, Travis Roy Foundation
- Steve Belichick, One Love Foundation
- Rex Burkhead, Team Jack Foundation
- Shilique Calhoun, Fathers Uplift Inc.
- Jermaine Eluemunor, Boys and Girls Club
- Stephon Gilmore, The Gilmore Family Foundation
- Lawrence Guy, The Lawrence Guy Family Foundation
- Brian Hoyer, MSPCA Angell
- Anferee Jennings, Campaign Zero
- Willie McGinest, 55 Foundation
- Sony Michel, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation I Care – I Cure Foundation
- John Simon, St. Christine Catholic School
- Matthew Slater, International Justice Mission and The Elisha Project
- Chase Winovich, Team Impact and Feeding America
- Isaiah Wynn, Alzheimer’s Association
