NFL Makes Atypically Cool PR Move, Allows Players to Wear Whatever Cleats They Want

If there's anything the NFL loves as much as football, it's having a boatload of rules. According to Spotrac, through 2016's 277 games, a total of 228 players have racked up infractions that have cost (both in fines and in money withheld due to suspension) a measly $28,160,962. Tucked into that massive rulebook are nearly 5 pages on "Equipment, Uniforms, Player Appearance," violations of which can prove costly (at least relative to a person not on a multi-million dollar contract). Marshawn "I'm just here so I don't get fined" Lynch was once fined $5,250 for wearing green shoes. Frank Gore was fined $10,500 for wearing his socks too low. Chad Johnson was hit with a $5,000 fine because his chin strap was orange. (For comparison's sake, Antonio Brown was fined around $10,000 for twerking a "sexually suggestive" touchdown dance.) Perhaps Snoop Dogg summed it up best: "The NFL is full of shit with them rules and regulations."

But a league that specialized in mishandling nearly ever public relations matter that comes through their sanctimonious offices has actually done a good thing...sort of. For this week only, NFL players can wear any cleats they want (Gold cleats! Multicolor cleats! Cleats with palm trees on them!) so long as it's in support of a charity. It's part of the My Cause My Cleats campaign which allows the players to raise awareness for any 501(c)(3) organization, and gives them the opportunity to auction off the cleats with 100% of profits going to that nonprofit. So good on you, NFL. For doing a good thing. For one week.

You can see some of this week's featured cleats below.

To see more, click here.