Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. has always been an expressive guy on the football field.
Now, for once, he doesn't have to worry about getting a fine – at least not for this kind of expression.
Smith, cornerback Jimmy Smith and perhaps more Ravens, will participate in Week 13's "My Cause, My Cleats" NFL campaign during this Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium.
The initiative gives players a chance to wear custom cleats that reflect a cause that's important to them.
According to the NFL, more than 500 players are planning to showcase their causes during games, and many have worked directly with Nike, Under Armour and adidas to design their cleats.
"It's cool that the league is allowing guys to do it," Steve Smith said. "It gives them a chance to voice what they think is important without the repercussions of being fined.
"I think you'll see, there's going to be a wide range of guys for charities or issues that may personally impact them, but it also gives an opportunity to some of the young men that are fortunate or have that experience, that they get to pick a cause. Guys are really looking forward to it and putting a lot of thought into it."
Steve Smith's cleats will reflect a message about stopping domestic violence, which Smith has been passionate about for quite some time.
He hosted a fashion show benefitting the House of Ruth earlier this season, personally donated to organizations and posts frequently about domestic violence on his social media platforms.
"My mom is a survivor of domestic violence and it's something that has impacted me," he said. "Because it's impacted me, it's more special, it's more important. It's not something I think is cool or is tugging on my heart because of someone's story. Unfortunately, me and my mom have our own story."
Jimmy Smith's cleats were designed by the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE), and will be gold with the message of "Sideline Racism" scrawled on the side.
There's no* *word on whether outside linebacker Elvis Dumervil will be sporting cleats designed for New Story, the charity organization that Dumervil worked with to build 58 homes in earthquake-struck Haiti, where his parents are from.
They will be worn by Bills defensive end Leger Douzable, who is also of Haitian descent, and Dumervil took notice.
