One of the exciting weeks in the NFL season is here, known as “My Cause My Cleats.” This event allows players to shine a light on various organizations they support by wearing specially designed cleats during games.
For the next two weeks, players will swap their usual team colors for unique footwear. Kyle Hamilton, a talented safety from the Baltimore Ravens, showcased his cleats ahead of an upcoming game against the Philadelphia Eagles. In collaboration with USAA, an official partner for the league’s Salute to Service, Hamilton is supporting “Our Military Kids,” a nonprofit that aids children of military parents who are either deployed or recovering from injuries.
In an interview, Hamilton explained why this cause is significant to him. He described a recent visit to the Ravens’ facility, where he interacted with kids from the program, aged 7 to 13. “We played football and basketball, and it was a great experience for everyone involved,” he said. “It was wonderful to engage with them and answer their questions.”
During his time with the kids, Hamilton gained valuable insights into their lives and the sacrifices they make due to their parents’ military service. “It really puts things into perspective,” he noted. “These children have such a positive attitude, and it’s inspiring to see how they embrace their situation. We can all learn from their outlook on life.”
Hamilton also recalled a visit to Camp Humphreys, a U.S. Army base in South Korea, where he connected with more kids and families. He’s committed to raising awareness about the challenges faced by military families. “These kids would probably prefer to be at home with their friends, but the sacrifices their families make are immense,” he said. “I want to highlight that and ensure they know they are not forgotten.”
His custom cleats, designed by Marcus Rivero, prominently feature the Our Military Kids logo as well as images illustrating the joy of play among the children. The opposite shoe displays various branches of the military in vibrant colors.
In this initiative, Hamilton is joined by ten other Ravens players, including Mark Andrews and Rashod Bateman, who will also wear custom cleats to promote the causes close to their hearts.
