For Bills linebacker Lorenzo Alexander, the NFL's Week 13 initiative, "My Cause, My Cleats" has given him another opportunity to use his platform to advocate for positive change. Not only has his passion for helping others been well received in the local community, it's made a lasting impact on his teammates and the entire Bills organization, including Owners Terry and Kim Pegula. In support of Alexander and his mission, Terry will take part in the My Cause, My Cleats campaign and wear a special pair of sneakers representing the Lorenzo Alexander ACES Foundation.
"For Mr. Pegula to be able to do that is huge," said Alexander. "It's a huge honor for me. It's going to bring more awareness to the things I've been able to do in the community. It just shows you the type of owner that he is. He's so in tune with his players and what we're doing in the community and supports us whole heartedly and that's really him and Kim and their entire family as far as backing the players and whatever we're doing…it's awesome."
Sharing Alexander's sentiments, Pegula is proud to show support for such a great cause.
"Lorenzo's ACES Foundation supports helping underprivileged youth and is part of what makes our United States great," said Bills Owner Terry Pegula. "Helping others keeps our communities strong."
"The Lorenzo Alexander ACES Foundation is something I started back in Oakland in 2008," said Alexander. "It stands for accountability, community, education and sports. I personally believe this is how I became successful. These are four crucial pillars in a young person's life [needed] to come out of poverty [or] low income. A lot of times to go to college you need to have academics and sports so that you can obtain that higher education, as well as giving back to your community and being accountable for your actions. How you lead and the person you are day to day [is also important]. So, that's what we try to instill through various programs throughout the year."
Following today's game, Alexander and several of his Bills teammates will donate their cleats to the NFL Auction to raise funds for their causes. To bid and show your support, visit here.
