Kyle Rudolph is becoming a familiar face around the University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital. The Vikings tight end hosted an early Thanksgiving meal for young patients and their families Nov. 15.
NFL campaign allows Vikings to show support for their charities on their cleats
December 1, 2016 at 3:01AM
Teammates Sam Bradford, Brandon Fusco and Laquon Treadwell were among Rudolph's guests that also made stops in each room of the children unable to attend the meal.
"For us to come down here and put a smile on a kid's face and make their family's day, especially when they're here during the holidays, it means a ton to us," Rudolph told media during the visit.
On Thursday, Rudolph will show his support for these children and the hospital while on the field with his custom purple cleats covered in the words "Anton Tough" and "Health" next to the Minnesota "M."
Anton is a young boy who suffers from a rare genetic condition called Epidermolysis Bullosa that Rudolph and former Viking John Sullivan have visited over the past few years.
Rudolph is one of at least 12 Vikings that will wear the custom cleats when the team hosts the Dallas Cowboys Thursday to kick off "My Cause, My Cleats" week in the NFL.
The league will loosen its grip on uniform policies for the campaign that encourages players to use their cleats as a canvas to help raise awareness for the foundations they support or a cause they stand by.
According to the NFL, more than 500 players plan to participate in the campaign and many of them have already started showing off the custom shoes on social media.
Cornerback Xavier Rhodes will wear cleats in support of Kidz1stFund to raise awareness and donations for #FanconiAnemia research.
Punter Jeff Locke is supporting ACES, which helps create healthy communities and provides education.
Defensive end Brian Robison will have a dog on his cleats for the Brian Robison "Reel 'Em In" Foundation that supports K9s4Cops and provides service canines to law enforcement agencies.
Receiver Adam Thielen will wear cleats that say "Mentor A-Youth" and "Be Bold" in support Bolder Options.
Linebacker Anthony Barr's shoes will look like a piece of art with a heart and flowers surrounding the words "Supporting Single Moms" for his Raise the Barr foundation.
Offensive lineman Alex Boone has military-themed cleats in support of the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation honoring families who serve our country.
Linebacker Chad Greenway's cleats say "Lead the Way" for the foundation that supports chronically and critically ill children.
Offensive lineman Joe Berger's green cleats feature a tree and the words "Love makes a family" in support of Bethany Christian Services and adoption.
Linebacker Eric Kendricks will wear patent-leather black cleats for #Sacks4Kids, a charity to fight child hunger.
Cornerback Captain Munnerlyn is showing support for March of Dimes supporting premature born children.
Defensive end Everson Griffen will wear black and pink cleats supporting breast cancer patients.
Center Dawson Garcia played despite a groin injury, and starting guard Mike Mitchell Jr. and four others were absent for the Gophers. Among the results: a 14-point first half.
