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NFL Players Leading Change

Derrick Barnes holding custom my cause my cleats
NFL Players Leading Change See how players are strengthening communities from the ground up — and inspiring millions of fans to see their own power to make a difference.
Standing with players making an impact

Stand Together is partnering with the NFL to amplify the voices and impact of players leading change in their communities through the NFL’s My Cause My Cleats campaign and other social impact initiatives. Stand Together, a philanthropic community tackling the root causes of our country’s biggest problems, is working with players to unlock the strength within communities and inspire fans to be a part of the transformation.

 

Inspiring communities nationwide

When fans see their favorite players leading meaningful efforts in their communities, it sends a powerful message. No one is alone wanting to make a difference, and everyone has a role to play.

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NFL Players Working in a Kitchen

Spotlight: Demario Davis

Demario Davis has seen what a one-size-fits-all system misses and is committed to helping students learn in ways that match their strengths. That's why he's partnering with Stand Together.

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Photo of Demario Davis.
Featured stories

Explore how NFL players and Stand Together's network of changemakers are partnering to create real impact, inspire fans, and reimagine what's possible in communities across America.

Miles Killebrew's cleats. Miles Killebrew and the Steelers are helping youth find their momentum

How football, food, and support are making change across the city.

Derrick Barnes and Josh. Derrick Barnes is building more than wins in Detroit

The NFL linebacker is paying forward what one mentor did for him.

Bobby Okereke on the field. Bobby Okereke helps Nigerian athletes go for gold

The Giants linebacker empowers young men to unlock their potential — on and off the gridiron.

Austin Hooper holding his cleats. Austin Hooper is changing how we see teens aging out of foster care

The Patriots tight end is helping them build brighter futures.

Arik Armstead in a classroom with students. Arik Armstead’s mission to open career doors for young people

The NFL player wants every young person — regardless of ZIP code — to be career or college ready.

Photo of Lane Johnson. Lane Johnson honors a Marine’s legacy through service

The NFL star, the son of veterans, helps veterans and their families find strength through service.

Picture of Solomon Thomas. Solomon Thomas wants young people to know it’s OK to ask for help

The NFL defensive tackle’s organization, The Defensive Line, works to end youth suicide.

Photo of Christian McCaffrey. Christian McCaffrey carries one boy’s legacy beyond the field

How the NFL star and one child’s wish sparked a movement to help others.

Myles Garrett on a football field. Myles Garrett wants everyone to ‘Live Like Luke’

How the NFL star turned his friend’s legacy into a call to show up for others.

Damar Hamlin on the field with children. Damar Hamlin has a playbook for youth empowerment

Driven by a desire to strengthen his community, the NFL player focuses on opening doors for others.

Jonathan Allen with a family. Jonathan Allen shows that anyone can help families in crisis

He once spent time in foster care. Now, he’s showing how each of us can keep families together.

NFL Players Working in a Kitchen How NFL players are unlocking the strength within communities

Through player stories, the NFL and Stand Together hope to inspire fans to get involved.

Arik Armstead smiling Why this NFL player went from football camps to career camps

NFL Man of the Year winner Arik Armstead works with corporate partners to build career development camps.

Photo of the Man of the Year award. The other major trophy during Super Bowl weekend is this one

You don’t have to be a pro athlete to put their lessons to work in your own community.

Student giving a high five to adults. NFL legend delivers life-changing surprise to students and teachers

The Super Bowl week story you didn’t hear — how one STEM school got a new life.

A pair of cleats against dramatic backlighting 3 NFL players giving new meaning to ‘footwork’

Watch these professional football players highlight what matters most to them off the field.

A mother holding her child. Their son was born with a heart defect. Now they help other kids

Started by NFL legend Greg Olsen and his wife, The HEARTest Yard brings care to children with heart defects.

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Two participants of The Phoenix, a national sober active community, hug during a training session.
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