COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – December 1, 2023 – Every year, the pro football world takes part in “My Cause, My Cleats,” a collaboration between the NFL and players to highlight charitable organizations. During Weeks 13 and 14 of the football season, athletes wear customized cleats to display causes that are important to them – from youth wellness to sex trafficking prevention and support for single parents. This year, Bradley Pinion (Atlanta Falcons), Case Keenum (Houston Texans), Corey Bojorquez (Cleveland Browns), and Tress Way (Washington Commanders) will represent child development organization Compassion International on the field.
Atlanta Falcons punter Bradley Pinion and his wife Kaeleigh recently launched “Punts for Purpose,” a groundbreaking initiative to support child survival centers in the developing world in partnership with Compassion. Every time a Bradley Pinion punt falls within the 20-yard line, $1,000 will be donated to charity thanks to “Punts for Purpose” this season.
“Expecting the birth of our own child while launching ‘Punts for Purpose’ has put into perspective how crucial care for the mom and baby is before the baby is even born,” said Pinion. “I always knew it was important, but it wasn’t until I saw it with my own wife and child that I realized how vital good resources and timely care are throughout the process. I couldn’t imagine going through it without the resources we have.”
It’s a tragic reality that thousands of babies around the world won’t make it to their first birthday. Every year, 2.6 million babies in poverty don’t survive their first 28 days, and most of those die within the first week of life due to pre-term birth or delivery complications. In many regions of the developing world, mothers also face severe and life-threatening conditions. Approximately 830 women die each day from pregnancy or childbirth complications.
After learning about some of the conditions mothers and babies are forced to go through on a daily basis, Pinion reached out to other punters in the league and asked if they would join the cause. Tress Way (Washington Commanders) and Corey Bojorquez (Cleveland Browns) agreed to join the cause, and their dream is to have every punter in the league participating by the end of the season. Each punt inside the 20-yard line will supply a mother and baby with access to prenatal and medical care, food, clean water, a birth assistant, and a community of support during a baby’s critical first year.
Keenum, quarterback for the Houston Texans, previously supported Compassion’s Fill the Stadium campaign, which raised over $38 million and provided life-saving food and support to 76,473 children in poverty as a direct response to food insecurity caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
To learn more about Compassion International, visit compassion.com.