Patriots Wear Cleats Honoring Various Charities And Causes (PHOTOS)

By Michael Hurley, CBS Boston

BOSTON (CBS) -- Typically, the NFL frowns upon players expressing themselves through their equipment. In fact, wearing anything except uniform colors results in fines from the league office.

But this week, the league decided to have a heart, allowing players to wear cleats that can represent charities or causes close to the players' hearts. Given the NFL's history of fining players for raising awareness for breast cancer and domestic violence, the intentions of the league for the "My Cause, My Cleats" campaign can be questioned. But the net result on Sunday is unquestionably a positive.

"One of the great NFL traditions is how our players passionately support important causes in their communities and around the globe every year," commissioner Roger Goodell said in the league's announcement. "They are incredibly creative by nature, so we are not surprised how they are seizing the opportunity this week with inspiring expressions of their charitable commitments on their cleats, online and through social media."

Several Patriots participated in the event, as you can see below.

The Patriots defeated the Rams, 26-10, at Gillette Stadium.

• National Football League
• New England Patriots