There’s no bigger sports stage in the United States than the NFL, and this season — thanks to a New England Patriots running back — the NFL shined a spotlight on the plight of persecuted Christians.
Once a year, players can choose any charitable cause to raise awareness and money for through a unique cleat design, which the players wear for their “My Cause, My Cleats” game. The Special Olympics, cancer foundations, and youth sports initiatives are all popular picks for players. But TreVeyon Henderson, who in recent years became a Christian, chose to highlight the Global Christian Relief and the work they do to help the 380 million persecuted Christians around the world.
“When you read the Bible and you look at what Jesus teaches us and warns us about the persecution we will face for following him … there’s not much awareness about it,” Henderson said. “It really just opened my eyes because the things Christ was warning about are still happening today.”
Global Christian Relief CEO Brian Orme knows Henderson from his days playing football at The Ohio State University. Orme has followed Henderson’s rookie year, and noticed earlier this season that the NFL star was sharing the Christian organization’s posts on X. It was the start of a strong relationship with Henderson and Global Christian Relief. The running back became a monthly donor — then told Orme he wanted to amplify the organization through “My Cause, My Cleats.”
Henderson worked with his wife to design the cleats he wore on Monday Night Football on December 1.
“The blood dripping on the cleats symbolizes the blood that has been shed on the cross, the blood that’s been shed from people who have lost their lives for pursuing and following Christ,” Henderson said.
Credit: Global Christian Relief
The other side of the cleats show people holding up the Cross.
“This symbolizes the faithfulness of the persecuted church. Despite the blood that’s being shed, the one thing they’re not losing is their faith.”
“God has been using these stories to open my eyes and give me this desire to help however I can.”
In a moment when TreVeyon could’ve focused on himself, he turned his attention to persecuted Christians. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/hIwqBu0YMv
— Global Christian Relief (@GC_Relief) December 3, 2025
Global Christian Relief has seen greater exposure since Henderson’s endorsement.
“It’s a great example of what it looks like when influence meets conviction,” Orme told The Daily Wire. “Him leveraging his platform has a tremendous impact and builds credibility.”
Orme said Henderson showcasing his faith is part of a bigger movement the country has seen in recent months.
“God is choosing this moment through President Trump, Nicki Minaj, Bill Maher, all these different voices, to draw attention to what’s happening. He’s choosing this time to raise that awareness, and we’re praying that God will continue to create that momentum for the church.”
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In some parts of the world, Christians are being expelled from their families, imprisoned, and in some cases executed. Global Christian Relief provides safe housing, aid, Bibles, and legal support for Christians in the areas where it is most dangerous for them to profess their faith.
“We meet with believers in these regions, work through local churches to give them the resources that they need to not only survive, but to thrive as a life of the gospel.”
Henderson, like so many Christians in America, didn’t realize the extent of global Christian persecution. But now that he’s worked with Global Christian Relief and spread their message through football, he wants others to join the fight.
“I just hope here in the U.S., it encourages us, that it strengthens our faith to be more courageous, to be more bold, but to also have compassion for other brothers and sisters in Christ and to help however God may call you to help,” he said.
Henderson and the Patriots take on the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. Orme said because of Henderson’s bold faith, the running back has a lot of new fans rooting for his success.
“TreVeyon, he’s a football player, but more than anything, he is a believer in Christ, and he is passionate,” Orme said. “Even just a few minutes of conversation with him, he’s gonna talk about his faith, he’s gonna talk about what God’s doing. He’s been a blessing to us.”
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