Luke Fortner Salutes Kentucky Children's Hospital for 'My Cause My Cleats'

The NFL eases its strict uniform requirements once a year for “My Cause My Cleats.” For one week players can wear custom cleats to support their most passionate causes. In his first season with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Luke Fortner is shining a light on a place he frequented often throughout his UK career, the Kentucky Children’s Hospital (KCH).

Before each Kentucky home game, the Wildcats are led down the Cat Walk by KCH’s ‘Lift Them Up’ kid, who rides in a push-car that Fortner designed. He spent many mornings at the KCH, starting with the team’s “Tuesdays with C.J.” program. During his visits he developed a friendship with one patient in particular, Ellie.

Even though Luke Fortner has moved on to Jacksonville, the NFL rookie has not forgotten about his old friend. Ellie collaborated with the Jaguars’ center to create his cleats that highlight all of the good work being done at the Kentucky Children’s Hospital. See how the two worked together to make his custom cleats.

Special cleats for a very special relationship ❤️ #MyCauseMyCleats @lukefortner79 @KCHKids pic.twitter.com/xrGcmAPRB0

— NFL (@NFL) November 30, 2022

“Kentucky Children’s Hospital has had a special place in my heart for many years,” Fortner said. “They touch all parts of the state, from east to west, providing first class care to anyone who visits. And to have my longtime friend Ellie designing my cleats for my rookie year is extra special. She’s one of the bravest kids I’ve ever met, and I’m proud to showcase her creativity for the My Cause My Cleats campaign.”

Fortner will wear the custom kicks this Sunday when the 4-7 Jaguars (+1) travel to Detroit for a 1 pm kickoff on Fox. The former Wildcat has been outstanding in his rookie season. A starter in all 11 games, he’s allowed only one sack and committed just three penalties in 740 snaps, the ninth-most by an NFL center. Last week he was a part of a comeback win over Lamar Jackson, a habit he picked up back in Lexington.