Every year, the NFL takes part in “My Cause, My Cleats,” a collaboration between the NFL and players where athletes have the opportunity to represent hundreds of charitable organizations that focus on causes from youth wellness to human trafficking prevention and support for single parents.
This year, Bradley Pinion of the Atlanta Falcons, Case Keenum of the Houston Texans, Tress Way of the Washington Commanders, and Corey Bojorquez of the Cleveland Browns will go out on the field representing Compassion International.
Atlanta Falcons punter Bradley Pinion and his wife Kaeleigh recently launched ‘Punts for Purpose,’ a groundbreaking initiative to make a difference around the globe and support child survival centers in the developing world in partnership with Compassion International. 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 in the developing world won’t make it to their first birthday. Every year, 2.6 million babies living in extreme 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 lose their life each day from pregnancy or childbirth complications.
After learning about the conditions mothers and babies are forced to go through on a daily basis, Pinion began reaching out to as many NFL punters as possible and asking if they would join the cause, with the Washington Commander’s Tress Way and Cleveland Brown’s Corey Bojorquez already agreeing to join the cause. It is their dream 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 healthcare, food and clean water during that critical first year of life.
Case Keenum, quarterback for the Houston Texans, previously supported Compassion International’s Fill the Stadium campaign, which raised over $38 million and provided life-saving food and support to 76,473 children around the world in direct response to food shortages caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Compassion International is a Christian child development organization working to release children from poverty in Jesus’ name. Founded in 1952, Compassion partners with more than 8,500 local churches in 29 program countries to deliver spiritual, economic, social, and physical care to over two million babies, children, and young adults in poverty. Ranked No. 12 in Forbes’ America’s Top Charities List in 2022, Compassion is a founding member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability and an accredited charity with the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance.
