EMMITSBURG, Md. — Three NFL players are lacing up custom cleats to spotlight the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) and the First Responder Center for Excellence (FRCE) as part of the league’s annual My Cause My Cleats campaign.
The NFFF reported that Indianapolis Colts offensive linemen Danny Pinter and Matt Goncalves will showcase NFFF-related causes on Nov. 30 during the team’s Week 13 home game.
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Pinter will wear cleats featuring the NFFF logo to spotlight its work honoring fallen firefighters and supporting their families with services like counseling, scholarships and job training.
Goncalves will represent the FRCE, an NFFF affiliate focused on first responder health and safety through education and research. Both players’ custom cleat designs will be revealed ahead of gameday.
Philadelphia Eagles tight end Grant Calcaterra, who once planned to become a firefighter, also supported the NFFF during the team’s Week 12 game in Dallas. His red Jordan 1 cleats featured artwork of a firefighter battling flames, with the Nike swoosh as water from a hose and the NFFF logo near the heel.
“Having players from the Colts and Eagles support our mission on game day is a tremendous honor NFFF CEO Victor Stagnaro said. “Danny and Grant have been longtime supporters of the NFFF, and we’re glad to welcome Matt into the fold with FRCE this season. My Cause My Cleats is all about athletes using their platform for good. We’re grateful to these players for shining a light on very real issues within fire service, as the funds raised from their cleats will directly help firefighters and their families across the United States.”
Players taking part in My Cause My Cleats can auction their custom shoes on the initiative’s official website. Fans can also donate directly to the NFFF or FRCE by searching for Danny Pinter, Matt Goncalves or Grant Calcaterra on MyCauseMyCleats.org, with all contributions supporting firefighters and their families.
