Editor’s note: If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or is in emotional distress, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK(8255) or at suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
Besides displaying their talents on the gridiron every Sunday, one of the best contributions the talented athletes of the NFL make involves bringing attention to charitable causes via their footwear.
The NFL’s My Cause My Cleats campaign, which permits players to wear customized cleats, will bring awareness to causes of each player’s choice during Weeks 13 and 14.
Earlier this week, the NFL shared the story behind the cause championed by Panthers tight end Hayden Hurst.
On Sunday against the Buccaneers, Hurst will be wearing cleats supporting Face The Fight, as well as his own Hayden Hurst Family Foundation.
Jim Dedmon/USA TODAY Sports
Face The Fight is a coalition founded by USAA to raise awareness and support for veteran suicide prevention. The organization’s website shares that its “mission is to break the stigmas surrounding suicide in order to open conversation and support around the topic. Facing the reality of veteran suicide is a struggle. But when people face this fight together there is hope.”
Hurst has overcome mental illness and addiction in the past. The talented standout attempted suicide in 2016, discussing the event in detail in 2020.
The 30 year-old tight end is excited to team up with Face The Fight and to honor the sacrifices members of the military make.
“I could not be more excited to team up with Face The Fight and the Hayden Hurst Family Foundation. There are a lot of core values that are similar, submerging those and being able to display them on my cleats for a game is huge for me,” said Hurst.
Honoring America’s service members, @Panthers TE @haydenrhurst is representing #FaceTheFight & the @HHFoundation81 for #MyCauseMyCleats to help raise awareness for veteran suicide prevention in partnership with @USAA.
— NFL (@NFL) November 28, 2023
Learn more at https://t.co/CPrsVZRZbk pic.twitter.com/NAIXRN54EC
His two cleats will feature both charitable organizations, the suicide hotline and the names of Sergeant Melissa Lopez as well as Sergeant First Class Vernard Hines, each of whom appeared with Hurst in the NFL’s video.
Hurst will be among a plethora of players who will be supporting noteworthy causes that need all of our attention.
