Saints Coach Kellen Moore Calls for NFL to Intensify CTE Research Following Pro Bowl Star Rudi Johnson’s Tragedy

Kansas City, Missouri – November 22, 2025 Tomorrow at Arrowhead, Jaylen Watson will step onto the field wearing his “My Cause My Cleats” – a pair of shoes that represent not only the Kansas City Chiefs’ playoff hopes, but also a story that has brought the entire Chiefs Nation to tears. Beneath the paint and the designs lies the love of a nephew for his beloved aunt who has Down syndrome – the woman who has profoundly shaped Watson since childhood. Watson shared that his aunt was the first person in his family with Down syndrome, and she was the one who taught him patience, kindness, and the spirit of overcoming hardship. His family took turns caring for her for many years, especially after their grandmother passed away. Therefore, these cleats are not just participation in the campaign – they are a deeply personal and heartfelt tribute to one of the most important people in his life. Speaking about the gesture, Watson said with visible emotion: “I just want to bring my aunt’s story closer to the world. She has always been the softest, brightest light in our family. If these cleats help even one person understand more, love more, or open their heart more to people like her, then that is the greatest gift I could ever give her.” Those words spread quickly and touched the hearts of the entire Chiefs community. Watson chose Best Buddies Missouri as the organization he is supporting – a nonprofit that helps individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities integrate into the community. His cleats will be designed around the organization’s theme, and immediately after the Colts game, they will be auctioned off to raise funds. This year’s campaign sees more than 1,800 participants across the NFL, including Mahomes, Kelce, and Chris Jones from Kansas City, each carrying their own meaningful messages. Jaylen Watson, 27 years old and in his fourth season with the Chiefs, is best known for his legendary 99-yard pick-six as a rookie. A player who is always humble, puts his teammates first, and lives the family spirit that the Chiefs stand for. Tomorrow, the story behind his cleats is not just a charity moment – it is a reminder that behind every jersey is a heart that knows how to love, and a team bound together by something far greater than football.