In a season where Jaylinn Hawkins has emerged as a key defensive force for the 9-2 New England Patriots, the veteran safety is using his platform to spotlight a cause close to his heart this fall: United Sports Abroad, a nonprofit supporting American military youth stationed overseas through sports.
As part of the NFL's annual My Cause My Cleats initiative, Hawkins will wear custom cleats honoring the organization during Weeks 13 and 14, blending his breakout season with a message of global impact.
"My boy Grayson [Bankhead], I went to college with him at Cal Berkeley, he and his dad started United Sports Abroad," Hawkins shared in a recent interview. "It's for kids abroad with parents stationed in different countries. They still want to play football or other sports that aren't popular there. It's a cause to support that."
Founded by Grayson and his father, Coach John Bankhead, United Sports Abroad delivers transformative sports experiences to U.S. military youth through elite training camps, mentorship, and recruiting guidance. The organization has hosted camps in countries like Japan and the Philippines, often featuring NFL players and collegiate athletes. Hawkins' connection runs deep, not only through his former Cal teammate Grayson Bankhead, but also through his own family ties to Panama, where he hopes to help host a camp in the near future.
"This offseason, we're working on something to try to have a football camp down in Panama," Hawkins said. "Nothing set in stone, but we're kind of working on that. Got connected with a few people out there."
Hawkins' cleats will feature a patriotic design that stays true to the Patriots' color scheme. "It's cool because it's Patriots colors, so it's on brand with the squad," he said. "It looks good with the uniform. It's real dope, representing USA and kids across the world inspired to play football."
The timing couldn't be better. Hawkins is enjoying an outstanding season, starting nine games and recording 32 solo tackles, two sacks, and two interceptions, including a highlight-reel one-handed grab against Cleveland. A year after arriving in New England and earning a rotational role, he's become an every-down player for the Patriots revamped defense.
The NFL's My Cause My Cleats initiative, launched in 2016, allows players to showcase causes they care about through custom-designed cleats. This year, players can also raise funds via Rayze, with 100% of donations going directly to their chosen nonprofits.
For Hawkins, it's not just a cause, it's a reflection of his journey and the global reach of football. "I support that, especially since I have family down in Panama," he said. "It's a cool thing to do."
Fans can learn more about United Sports Abroad at unitedsportsabroad.com and explore the full list of player causes at Patriots.com/MyCauseMyCleats.
