Trapilo is among several rookies participating in My Cause My Cleats this season. The Boston College product will represent Best Buddies — the world's largest organization dedicated to ending the isolation of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
During Trapilo's college career, he became connected to Best Buddies through Boston College's chapter.
"I was able to actually get a buddy, and we hung out a good amount — James Keith, shout out James," Trapilo shared. "It was really cool to meet him, spend time with him. We did a bunch of fun things throughout the year-and-a-half that I was at BC doing this.
"I think it's a great cause, and I enjoyed spending time with James and being around that community. So I'm happy to wear the cleats for it."
Another rookie that will wear custom cleats against the Steelers is tight end Colston Loveland, who is recognizing Special Olympics Idaho. Growing up in rural Gooding, Idaho, Loveland felt blessed to be involved in sports from a young age, but understands that opportunity isn't easily accessible to everyone.
Special Olympics Idaho is a statewide movement that champions inclusion, health, leadership and community for individuals with intellectual disabilities, primarily through sports.
"I think sports brings so much community and togetherness," Loveland said. "The fact that some people don't get an opportunity to do that or kind of get looked over, helping a cause that counters that was something that meant a lot to me. And then, being from Idaho, I know they don't have a ton of resources, so they could use any type of help they can get.
"Giving back is always the answer, especially in our position. We're super blessed with all these opportunities, the voice to do these things."
Odunze was grateful for the rookies' involvement in his My Cause My Cleats event and hopes that time together can inspire the group to continue giving back.
"Obviously, we have great people in the locker room, great guys already," Odunze said, "but just giving the rooks another extra reminder that it's important to get back and sacrifice some of your time to give to those who are in need of it and hopefully brighten somebody's day a little bit.
"They now have the ability, the power to do that. Especially in their position, they are very blessed as well. So, I appreciate them coming out and doing it. I think it'll hopefully inspire them to do some stuff on their own or continue to do more stuff with Operation Gratitude."