New Orleans Saints Owner Gayle Benson will be auctioning off her “My Cause My Cleats” custom Jordan sneakers on NFL Auction. Designed by New Orleans artist Sandi Demeo, these hand-painted custom shoes highlight the Gayle and Tom Benson Charitable Foundation and Super Bowl LIX, which will be played in New Orleans for the 11th time, tied for the most in NFL history. All proceeds from the auction will go toward the Foundation.
"It is an honor to participate in the My Cause My Cleats initiative to pay tribute to New Orleans," Benson said. "These shoes represent causes that are close to my heart and to our entire community. The work of the Gayle and Tom Benson Charitable Foundation is deeply meaningful to me. Through this auction, I hope to raise awareness and funding for these important initiatives, ensuring that Tom's legacy of giving continues to impact the lives of those who need it most."
New Orleans Saints players reveal their community causes beyond the game with custom cleats for Week 13 as part of the NFL's My Cause, My Cleats initiative.
"Mrs. Benson continues to have a profound regional impact, especially through the efforts of the Gayle & Tom Benson Charitable Foundation," said Elicia Broussard Sheridan, vice president of Community Relations and Youth Sports Development for the New Orleans Saints. "By participating again this year in the My Cause My Cleats initiative alongside our players, she continues to inspire others to support vital charitable causes, creating a ripple effect of kindness and compassion that resonates throughout our community."
The Gayle and Tom Benson Charitable Foundation, established in 2007, is inspired by the lifelong philosophy of Tom Benson: to make the community in which you live stronger by giving back and making a positive impact. The Foundation serves the Gulf South region through donations, grants and investments and has donated over $100 million to schools, universities and hospitals throughout the region.
Since 2016, My Cause My Cleats has allowed NFL players, coaches and staff across the league to recognize various causes and non-profit organizations they support. The program celebrates the positive impact the NFL can make in communities across the world. The initiative allows NFL personnel to use their platforms, both on and off the field, to bring important causes to the forefront.
The New Orleans Saints equipment team prepares and the players wear their 'My Cause, My Cleats' shoes ahead of the Saints game against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 13 of the 2024 NFL season in the Caesars Superdome on Dec. 1, 2024.