Habitat & Conservation  |  12/05/2019

Viking Reiff to Wear Pheasants Forever Cleats Sunday


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For the NFL’s “My Cause, My Cleats” Week, Minnesota Vikings Offensive Tackle Riley Reiff will be Flying Around U.S. Bank Field in Pheasants Forever Cleats Against the Detroit Lions

By Tom Carpenter

Whether you’re a Pheasants Forever Fan, Minnesota Vikings fan or both, there’s something extra special to cheer about Sunday when the Vikings take on the Detroit Lions at noon at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis:

Vikings star offensive tackle Riley Reiff has chosen Pheasants Forever as his special cause for the NFL’s third annual My Cause My Cleats Week.

More than 50 Viking players in all will don custom-designed cleats that recently were unveiled to each player. The footwear is painted to represent respective causes of the players’ choice as part of the My Cause My Cleats initiative. It's a unique way for players to bring attention to the nonprofits, organizations, foundations and charities they're focused on.
 

ABOUT RILEY REIFF

Look for Number 71 on the Vikings’ offensive line. Reiff sustained a concussion against the Seattle Seahawks Monday night, but he could still be ready to roll Sunday.

“Riley is passionate about conservation, and values the connection between strong habitat and hunting as an outdoor activity,” said Minnesota Vikings community relations coordinator Quinn Adams. “Riley is an avid outdoorsman and is excited to represent Pheasants Forever this year with his My Cause My Cleats.”

Riley grew up in the heart of pheasant country in Parkston, South Dakota, and went on from the Parkston High Trojans football team to play for the University of Iowa Hawkeyes, where he was All-Big-Ten and All-America. Riley was selected in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft by the Lions, and came to Minnesota as a free agent in 2017.

Riley lettered in track and golf in high school, and was a 3-time state wrestling champion in South Dakota as well, compiling a career record of 121-1.

ABOUT MY CAUSE, MY CLEATS

As part of the collaboration between the NFL and players, during Week 14 players will represent hundreds of charitable organizations that focus on causes from youth wellness to sex trafficking prevention, support for single parents ... and wildlife habitat conservation.

This week the NFL celebrated Unboxing Day, a league-wide unveiling of the players’ custom cleats. Players unboxed their cleats on hospital visits, in classrooms, in locker rooms and on stadium fields on Giving Tuesday, December 3.

This year, the Minnesota Vikings will have 54 players participating in My Cause My Cleats and representing 47 different charitable causes.

Players will have the opportunity to use their cleats to raise money for their cause by auctioning them at NFL Auction, or via other means; 100 percent of money raised will be donated to the player’s charities.