HAMILTON, Ohio (WXIX) – Atlanta Falcons linebacker Malik Verdon returned to his Ohio roots to meet with Hamilton School District students whose designs were featured on his cleats throughout the season.
Students from across the district submitted designs that were selected to be showcased on Verdon’s cleats as part of a collaboration between the “Just a Pair of Shoes” organization and the NFL’s “My Cleats, My Cause” initiative.
“Being able to come back and get the love that I get, and be able to return it—it’s huge to me,” Verdon said.
Iowa State defensive back Malik Verdon runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)(Michael Conroy | AP)
When selecting which designs to wear, Verdon said he was drawn to pieces with deeper meaning, particularly those addressing mental health—a cause that has been personal throughout his life.
“It was amazing to hear the stories and their thoughts on how they made the design and what it meant to them. It was awesome,” Verdon said.
“You don’t really go out of your way to seek help, especially when you’re someone who takes care of a lot of people,” he said about mental health challenges.
Students said they had been eagerly anticipating the meeting all week. For many, seeing Verdon in person reinforced important lessons about connection and possibility.
“I did a graffiti design—it was all my thoughts and creativity poured into one drawing. Him relating to it showed me how small the world truly is, and how multiple people can connect over one thing and come together,” one student said.
“Very inspiring. It inspired me to do better and to focus more on my goals,” another student said.
Verdon says he is committed to continuing this initiative every season, hoping to bring joy both on and off the field for students in his community.
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