Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft has chosen to support the Native-led, nonprofit Cheyenne River Youth Project through the NFL’s “My Cause My Cleats” initiative. As CRYP’s champion, he is wearing custom cleats during weeks 13-14 of the NFL season to raise awareness and encourage donations.
Kraft was born and raised in Timber Lake, South Dakota, on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation. He played football for Timber Lake High School before playing college football at South Dakota State University in Brookings. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 2023.
According to CRYP chief executive officer Julie Garreau, “Tucker says that where he comes from has made him into the player he is today.” Garreau thinks that message resonates with all of the kids at CRYP and they’re deeply grateful to him for selecting them as his cause for this special NFL initiative.
Since 2016, “My Cause My Cleats” has given players a platform to make an impact off the field and in their communities, according to Tracy Perlman, senior vice president of player operations for the NFL.
The NFL debuted a 90-second commercial spot featuring several players and their chosen causes — including Kraft and Cheyenne River Lakota youth Wambli Gleska Quintana — during halftime of the Nov. 25, 2024, Monday Night Football game. It also aired during halftime of each of the Thanksgiving Day games. The commercial can be viewed on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRAG6AmI4Zc. A 30-second spot dedicated to CRYP aired during halftime of the Philadelphia Eagles and Baltimore Ravens game Dec. 1.
Not only are players encouraging donations to their causes through the Rayze app, they also can choose to donate their cleats by auctioning them on NFL Auction. Fans may bid on the cleats online when they are listed (https://nflauction.nfl.com/), and the NFL Foundation will donate all funds raised directly to the player’s chosen nonprofit.
To make a donation to support CRYP through Rayze, visit https://donate.rayzeapp.com/orgs/rTjuatFHKjICDx0DNffy. Supporters also can make a donation directly through the organization’s website at www.lakotayouth.org.
Green Bay Packer Tucker Kraft with Cheyenne River Lakota youth Wambli Gleska Quintana and Sarah Berndt in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Courtesy photo.
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