SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Current Green Bay Packer tight end and former South Dakota State University standout, Tucker Kraft, is using his platform to give back to his community. Kraft recently wore special Cheyenne River Youth Project (CRYP) cleats as part of the NFL’s My Cause My Cleats campaign.
NFL players reveal their passions beyond the game and wear their hearts on their feet through My Cause My Cleats. Players have the opportunity to pick a cause that is important to them and represent their chosen organization on custom designed cleats.
As CRYP’s champion, Kraft wore custom cleats during weeks 13-14 of the NFL season to raise awareness and encourage donations.
Kraft was born and raised in Timber Lake, S.D., on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation. He played football for Timber Lake High School before playing college football at South Dakota State University; he was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 2023.
“Tucker says that where he comes from has made him into the player he is today, and I think that resonates with all of our kids here at CRYP as well,” said Julie Garreau, CRYP’s chief executive officer. “We are deeply connected to our land and our communities here. We carry them with us wherever we go.
“We are deeply grateful to Tucker for selecting us as his cause in this special initiative,” she continued. “And, we are proud of him.”
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 Monday Night Football on Nov. 25. It also aired during halftime of each of the Thanksgiving Day games, and it 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 CBS National game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, Dec. 1.
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.
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.
Supporters also can make a donation directly through the organization’s website at www.lakotayouth.org.
This season, almost half of the participating players, coaches and team staff have chosen to support various forms of cancer and other physical health-related causes, such as raising awareness of neurodegenerative disorders and promoting preventive services for conditions like diabetes. Participants have also identified several other important causes to support, including mental health services in underserved communities, empowering youth, advancing various women’s health initiatives, supporting social justice initiatives, and highlighting resources to assist people affected by domestic violence.
The Cheyenne River Youth Project started from humble beginnings.
“Here we are, 35 years later, still working very hard to provide really healthy options for our young people,” Cheyenne River Youth Project CEO Julie Garreau said.
That work is now getting national attention thanks to Kraft, who wore custom designed Cheyenne River Youth Project cleats along with his Green Bay Packers uniform on Thanksgiving night.
“It’s just one of the greatest things that could have happened to the Cheyenne River Youth Project,” Garreau said.
Representatives even got to fly to Wisconsin to film a commercial that aired nationally over the weekend.
“You get an email, you wonder if it’s spam, and then, you get an email from the NFL saying, ‘We’d like to make this commercial with you.’ It’s a little bit where did this come from? It’s completely out of left field,” Garreau said.
“It was also really good to see that our youth were remembered and to have somebody who is from their reservation on the big screen,” Cheyenne River Youth Project programs director Jerica Widow said.
Kraft’s support has also made him a role model for the Cheyenne River youth.
“It is pretty hard to do things ourselves, but at the same time, we do know what we want to do, and it is helpful for having someone to lead us on the way we need to go,” Cheyenne River Youth Project member Nation Cowins said.
And Kraft’s endorsement will have a lasting impact on the organization.
“It just made me feel so good that so many people are learning about our community, our organization, the good work that we do and the amazing kids that we work with,” Garreau said.
To learn more on how tosupport the Cheyenne River Youth Project, click here.
