Brandon Marshall took the field in October 2013 wearing bright lime-green cleats during a Thursday night game for the Chicago Bears. The former Seattle Seahawks star sought attention for mental health awareness, linked to his own struggles and his foundation’s work.
The league fined him $10,500 under uniform rules that limited shoes to approved colours and designs, and Marshall chose not to appeal. Instead, he paid the fine, matched it with a donation to his foundation and auctioned the cleats for charity. The moment became a reference point for changes to player expression in the NFL.
Mar 5, 2021; Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA; Brandon Marshall, Chief Executive Officer and founder of House of Athlete speaks to reporters during the House of Athlete Scouting Combine for athletes preparing to enter the 2021 NFL draft at Inter Miami Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2021; Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA; Brandon Marshall, Chief Executive Officer and founder of House of Athlete speaks to reporters during the House of Athlete Scouting Combine for athletes preparing to enter the 2021 NFL draft at Inter Miami Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
NFL uniform policy in 2013 strictly limited players to team colours for cleats and equipment, so Marshall’s choice was an organized break from that tradition. The league issued the fine officially for a uniform violation, saying the lime-green colour was not on the approved list.
The 6-time Pro Bowl wide receiver had said he expected the fine and planned ahead by including the match donation and charity auction in his plan. Therefore, he embraced the fine,stating, “Football is my platform, not my purpose,” and used the moment to raise significant funds and awareness for mental health.
POWERFUL: Former #NFL star wide receiver Brandon Marshall was FINED $11K for wearing Mental Health Awareness themed cleats.
Marshall wore the lime-green cleats as a mental health advocate, but would receive a uniform fine.
Instead of appealing it, he paid it and donated the… pic.twitter.com/rnAqGM3qVv
— MLFootball (@MLFootball) February 22, 2026
Marshall’s stance was rooted in his own experience. He had been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and was openly talking about mental health advocacy.
He framed his action around that mission on social accounts and in statements, focusing on the conversation it would start about mental health stigma. His foundation supports awareness and resources tied to those issues.
Fans also jumped into the debate, with many showing their support for the player. On social media, people spoke up in his defense.
One fansaid, “They are monster hypocrites to begin with when it come to the My Cleats My Cause. They repeatedly fined Brandon Marshall for wearing neon green cleats to promote mental health awareness, because the NFL was busy stuffing its pockets for its athletes to wear pink cleats.”
A second fanadded, “Precisely why I have not watched the NFL for several years and do not but any products with their logo on it. They can turn the league pink for breast cancer, insult police, support BLM, but they fine you if you try to support Dallas PD, mental health awareness, or Trump.”
The reaction was wider than the fine itself. Fans noted the contrast between the league’s seasonal support for breast cancer awareness and restrictions on other causes.
How custom cleats in NFL fund major global charities
Football cleats in the NFL have become much more than just part of the uniform. Over the years, they have turned into a way for players to express themselves, support causes they care about, and even make fashion statements.
The NFL has always had strict rules about what players can wear during games. For a long time, that included very specific guidelines about cleats. But things have changed.
Through aspecial program called “My Cause, My Cleats,” the league now gives players a chance to wear custom-designed cleats that highlight personal or social causes that matter to them. It is one of the few times players are allowed to break away from the usual dress code.
Historically, the NFL was often nicknamed the “No Fun League” due to its rigid uniform policies. Significant shifts occurred following high-profile fines for non-compliant footwear, most notably Brandon Marshall’s 2013 lime-green cleats and Odell Beckham Jr.’s numerous custom designs.
Players must wear cleats that are black, white, or a team-designated dominant color. Violating these rules during a game can lead to fines ranging from $5,000 to over $20,000 for repeat offenders.
Since 2017, the NFL has allowed greater freedom during pregame warm-ups. Players can wear any design as long as it does not feature unauthorized commercial logos, offensive content, or political views.
After “My Cause, My Cleats” games, many players auction their footwear. In recent years, 100% of these proceeds have gone directly to the player’s chosen nonprofit.
Some players use cleats as status symbols. For example, Odell Beckham Jr. reportedly wore diamond-encrusted cleats valued at $200,000 during Super Bowl LVI.
A thriving industry of custom cleat artists now exists. Designers like Jada Henderson spend 6 to 28 hours hand-painting a single pair for NFL athletes.