*All Photos Provided by 49ers.com
As the San Francisco 49ers prepare to take on the Chicago Bears today, Jimmy Garoppolo will not be the only debut start. Several players will also be wearing cleats for My Cause My Cleats in which each player participating designed footwear to represent their cause of choice.
“My wife, Linda, and I strongly believe that good, solid values can be learned through education, sport participation and community involvement,” said general manager John Lynch. “Teamwork, self-esteem, time management, responsibility and determination are the lessons that carry over into all areas of life.”
The shoes were unveiled at an event at Levi’s Stadium this past week, and after today’s game, most of the players’ shoes will be auctioned off with the proceeds benefiting their chosen charity.
“I want to advocate for animals because they are a source of happiness to those around them, like my dog, Max, is for me,” said running back Carlos Hyde, whose cause is Animals and whose charity of choice is the Humane Society of Silicon Valley.
Defensive tackle Earl Mitchell is supporting the Salvation Army, because “[i]t’s my favorite nonprofit, because they provide resources to single monthers and help them get on their feet during times of need.”
Eli Harold’s support of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network hits close to home.
“I want to honor and show respect to my mother and her battle with Pancreatic Cancer,” said Harold. “My message to those affected by the disease: Stay strong and know that you are loved.”
Supporting his former teammate Colin Kaepernick, safety Eric Reid will cleats supporting Kaepernick’s Know Your Rights Camp and the cleats have the #7 on them.
“I want to help young children from marginalized communities learn their legal rights, their human rights and how they can use local resources to better their life and their communities,” Reid said. “We must give those who are voiceless in our society a voice and help them to become positive leaders.”
The causes and charities represent a variety of areas of need and bring awareness to the different areas that resonate with the players.
“Having access to safe, sustainable housing and education are two causes I am extremely passionate about,” said defense end Leger Douzable said. “Through New Story Charity and PACE Center for Girls, these nonprofits work in different ways to set up individuals and families for success. Whether you’re living in an impoverished community without access to clean water or facing the juvenile justice system, you deserve a chance.”
19 players in all are participating in the program. For the full list of players participating and the charities they are supporting, see below. Go Niners!
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- Garrett Celek – 49ers Foundation Youth Football Program
- Adrian Colbert – Silicon Valley Faces
- Robbie Gould – Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital
- Carlos Hyde – Humane Society of Silicon Valley
- George Kittle – USO
- Raheem Mostert – Breast Cancer Research Foundation
- Kyle Nelson – JW House
- Bradley Pinion – Convoy of Hope
- Jaquiski Tartt – NorCal Epilepsy Foundation
- Trent Taylor – USO
- Solomon Thomas – 10 Books A Home/Judicial System
- Dekoda Watson – Koda’s Kids Foundation
- Dontae Johnson – Lucile Packard Foundation For Children’s Health
- Earl Mitchell – Salvation Army
- Eli Harold – Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
- Eric Reid – Know Your Rights Camp
- Joshua Garnett – Kitty Packs
- Kyle Juszczyk – Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation
- Leger Douzable – PACE Center for Girls/New Story
