Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett never takes off one thing — and it’s not football gear. It’s a blue wristband that reads “Live Like Luke.”

“This wristband is on 24/7,” Garrett said. It’s a tribute to his friend Luke Laufenberg, who died in 2019 after battling a rare, aggressive form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. “Luke never had any quit in his heart,” Garrett reflected.

When Garrett first met Laufenberg while playing college football, he was immediately struck by his kind and indomitable spirit. “He was always asking me, ‘What do you need? I’ll do that, I’ll be that,’” Garrett said.

In Laufenberg’s honor, the Luke Laufenberg Fight Fund (LLFF) was established at the University of Texas at El Paso to provide aid to student athletes with drive, generosity, and heart — just like Laufenberg. Garrett is now highlighting LLFF for the NFL’s annual My Cause My Cleats campaign, which allows players to shine the spotlight on mission-driven organizations and issues they are passionate about by wearing custom-designed cleats representing their chosen cause.

When Garrett looks down at his LLFF wristband and cleats, he’s reminded of the choice we all have in how we show up for others.

“Luke was always reaching out and seeing what another person needed,” Garrett said. “If everyone did that, the world would be a much better place.”

Fans can join Garrett by visiting his My Cause My Cleats page to directly support the Luke Laufenberg Fight Fund, bid on his custom cleats, or find another cause near you.

This story is part of a special partnership between the NFL and Stand Together, focused on amplifying and growing the impact of the philanthropic work of NFL players. Together, this collaboration shows real strength comes when we unlock the strength within communities and the critical role each of us can play in contributing to solving problems around us.

Learn more about Stand Together’s top issue areas and explore ways you can partner with us.