For the second consecutive year, Bills Owner & CEO Terry Pegula has taken an active role in supporting the NFL's "My Cause My Cleats" program. The initiative is one that's been embraced by the Bills organization and has even extended outside of the locker room. Given the opportunity to get involved, Pegula joined 150 coaches and front office staff who designed their own pair of sneakers to be worn, in conjunction with the players' cleats, this game day. On his sneakers, Pegula will proudly support "A Lending Paw," an organization that connects men, women and children with rescued and trained service animals. Given the foundation's mission, it was also fitting that Pegula's shoes celebrate the bond he has with his own furry, loveable companion, Sidney.
"The NFL's My Cause My Cleats initiative showcases the wide variety of charitable foundations that the league actively works to support. Our players are extremely enthusiastic about selecting causes that are important to them, and do a great job of using their creativity to raise awareness," said Pegula. "Everyone who knows me, knows that dogs are a big part of my family and my life. That's why I used this opportunity to support a charitable cause close to my daughter that works with like-minded organizations to connect people in need with service animals."
Represented on his beautifully designed blue sneakers, is the foundation's logo, along with Sidney's name, adorable face and a set of paw prints. Sharing her father's love and compassion for animals, Jessie Pegula is currently a volunteer at A Lending Paw, an organization that she helped start.
"Our dogs have meant so much to our family, bringing us even closer together," said Jessie Pegula. "We believe that dogs are extremely special. I see how much joy our dogs bring to my father and my family every day, and I hope that we can bring that same joy to as many people as possible."
For more information and to discover how you can get involved with A Lending Paw, please visit the foundation's website, www.ALendingPaw.com.
In Week 14, many Bills players will take part in the NFL's "My Cause My Cleats" initiative. Each player customized a pair of cleats in honor of a cause they are passionate about, to wear during the game. Click through to see each unique design and discover the stories behind their cleats.
QB Josh Allen, No. 17: Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Central California Chapter
QB Josh Allen, No. 17: Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Central California Chapter
G Ike Boettger, No. 65: University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital
G Ike Boettger, No. 65: University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital
FB Patrick DiMarco, No. 42: American Cancer Society
FB Patrick DiMarco, No. 42: American Cancer Society
LS Reid Ferguson, No. 69: JDRF/Diabetes
LS Reid Ferguson, No. 69: JDRF/Diabetes
C/G Ryan Groy, No. 72: Operation No Person Left Behind Outdoors
C/G Ryan Groy, No. 72: Operation No Person Left Behind Outdoors
K Stephen Hauschka, No. 4: Wings Flights of Hope
K Stephen Hauschka, No. 4: Wings Flights of Hope
DE Jerry Hughes, No. 55: Veterans One-stop Center of WNY, Inc.
DE Jerry Hughes, No. 55: Veterans One-stop Center of WNY, Inc.
S Micah Hyde, No. 23: IMagINe for Youth Foundation
S Micah Hyde, No. 23: IMagINe for Youth Foundation
WR Zay Jones, No. 11: Alzheimer's Association, Western New York Chapter
WR Zay Jones, No. 11: Alzheimer's Association, Western New York Chapter
WR Zay Jones, No. 11: Alzheimer's Association, Western New York Chapter
LB Deon Lacey, No. 44: Black Belt Community Foundation (Alabama)
LB Deon Lacey, No. 44: Black Belt Community Foundation (Alabama)
LB Deon Lacey, No. 44: Black Belt Community Foundation (Alabama)
CB Ryan Lewis, No. 38: Orange Arrow
CB Ryan Lewis, No. 38: Orange Arrow
T Jordan Mills, No. 79: The Jordan Mills Foundation
T Jordan Mills, No. 79: The Jordan Mills Foundation
DE Trent Murphy, No. 93: Venison Donation Coalition
DE Trent Murphy, No. 93: Venison Donation Coalition
DT Harrison Phillips, No. 99: The Playmakers Organization
DT Harrison Phillips, No. 99: The Playmakers Organization
T/G Jeremiah Sirles, No. 74: Tyson's Treasure Chest Foundation
T/G Jeremiah Sirles, No. 74: Tyson's Treasure Chest Foundation
T/G Jeremiah Sirles, No. 74: Tyson's Treasure Chest Foundation
Bills Owner & CEO Terry Pegula: A Lending Paw
Bills Owner & CEO Terry Pegula: A Lending Paw
Bills Owner & CEO Terry Pegula: A Lending Paw
Bills Owner & CEO Terry Pegula: A Lending Paw
LB Lorenzo Alexander, No. 57: ACES Foundation
LB Lorenzo Alexander, No. 57: ACES Foundation
LB Lorenzo Alexander, No. 57: ACES Foundation
DE Eddie Yarbrough, No. 54: Special Olympics Colorado
DE Eddie Yarbrough, No. 54: Special Olympics Colorado
DE Shaq Lawson, No. 90: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
DE Shaq Lawson, No. 90: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
T Dion Dawkins, No. 73: Oishei Children's Hospital
T Dion Dawkins, No. 73: Oishei Children's Hospital
T Dion Dawkins, No. 73: Oishei Children's Hospital
DT Kyle Williams, No. 95: The Barham Foundation
DT Kyle Williams, No. 95: The Barham Foundation
Bills Head Coach Sean McDermott: Food Allergy Awareness
Bills Head Coach Sean McDermott: Food Allergy Awareness
Bills Head Coach Sean McDermott: Food Allergy Awareness
