Detroit Lions Player Jack Fox to Honor Kirk Gibson with “My Cleats My Cause Initiative”

Photo Courtesy of the Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s

Jack Fox from the Detroit Lions to represent the Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s through the “My Cleats My Cause” initiative.

 Fox will be wearing custom designed cleats specific for the foundation during upcoming games.

The Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s is honored to announce that Detroit Lions punter, Jack Fox has selected the foundation as part of the “My Cleats My Cause” initiative.  Since 2016, this movement has empowered NFL players to reveal their passions beyond the game and wear their hearts on their feet through “My Cause My Cleats”. Players can pick a cause that is important to them and represent their chosen organization on custom designed cleats. Players also have the opportunity to raise money for their cause by auctioning their cleats off, where 100% of the money raised will be donated to the players charity of choice.

Jack Fox’s grandfather was diagnosed with Parkinson’s,

giving him a personal understanding of the profound impact of this disease, and the motivation behind him choosing the Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s as his charity of choice.  Fox will be wearing custom designed cleats that feature the Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s. Not only do the cleats feature the foundation logo in the classic Tigers colors, but also pay homage to Kirk’s baseball career with the right cleat featuring his famous fist bump pose from his time playing with the LA Dodgers, and the left cleat features Kirk’s famous homerun celebration pose from the 1984 World Series with when he played for the Detroit Tigers.

The Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s,

was formed by former professional baseball player and manager, Kirk Gibson, after his diagnosis with Parkinson’s disease in 2015.  Gibson attended Michigan State University where he played both football and baseball. He spent most of his career with the Detroit Tigers, but also played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Kansas City Royals and Pittsburgh Pirates.  Gibson is currently the color commentator for the Detroit Tigers, special assistant to the Tigers, and spends his time supporting his mission and vision of spreading awareness for Parkinson’s and providing inspiration and hope to others who are living with Parkinson’s.

For more information on how to support My Cleats My Cause, visit Detroit Lions.com and for more information about the Kirk Gibson Foundation, please visit: KirkGibsonFoundation.org. 

About the Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s:

The Kirk Gibson Foundation was created in 1996 to provide college scholarships to both athletes and non- athletes at Waterford Kettering and Clarkston High Schools, where Kirk’s parents, Robert and Barbara, taught for many years. After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2015, he expanded the mission of the Foundation to improve the quality of life of those living with Parkinson’s through the development and delivery of activity-based programs. Kirk’s vision is to provide inspiration, hope, and help to those living with Parkinson’s disease and their loved ones. Since that expansion, the Foundation has raised more than $3 million towards research grants and programs to support the Parkinson’s community.

Additionally, the Foundation wants to create awareness and understanding about Parkinson’s disease. Too many individuals are in denial about the disease or fear a stigma associated with Parkinson’s and delay seeking medical help. Early diagnosis and treatment can provide years that are virtually symptom-free. It’s imperative to know that life expectancy is about the same as for people without the disease. While life will change with a Parkinson’s diagnosis, many symptoms can be managed with proper medication and movement therapies, and patients can still live an active and enjoyable life. The Foundation will continue to fund and grow outreach programs as well as improve awareness through hosting special events and by increasing fundraising activities.  For more information, please visit www.KirkGibsonFoundation.org