In the fifth consecutive year of the NFL's My Cause, My Cleats campaign, more than 1000 players are spreading awareness for causes ranging from social justices, health and wellness to education.

Tuesday morning, Denver Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy announced his intentions to raise awareness for the Trisomy 18 Support Inc. foundation.

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According to trisomy18.org, Trisomy 18 is a life-threatening disorder that impacts about one out of every 2000 pregnancies in the United States. Also known as Edwards syndrome, the condition is the result of a meiotic disjunction resulting in a triplet of the 18th pair of chromosomes.

Trisomy 18 carries a fatal statistic, where just 50% of babies carried to term are born alive. Those who survive past their first birthday are able to be productive, similar to Down Syndrome, though many will require full-time care well into adulthood. However, only 10% of babies born with the defect survive to their first birthday.

Jerry Jeudy's little sister, Aaliyah, was born with Trisomy 18. She died at the age of seven when Jerry was a senior at Deerfield Beach High School.

Jeudy carriers a photo of Aaliyah in his Star of David pendant he wears.

"It wasn't easy," Jeudy told ESPN prior to be drafted by the Broncos in April, "but at the same time, she was suffering from all the things she was going through, like the things she can't do. She can't walk, she can't talk, but now I feel like she has a better place where she can do what she wants to do.

"She can walk, she can talk, she can be whatever she wants. Now she's not suffocating on this earth."

To keep track of the NFL's My Cause, My Cleats campaign and the programs supported by more than 100 players, nfl.com/causes/my-cause-my-cleats.

"My Cause My Cleats was created out of conversations with NFL players who wanted an opportunity to shed light on causes that mean the most to them," said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. "Season after season I am inspired by the growing number of NFL players that participate in My Cause My Cleats and the causes they represent. Each player has a story to tell and we are grateful for the impact they make in the communities in which they live and work, and society in general."

Stay tuned to tide1009.com to see Jeudy's cleat design when he releases it, as well as any other former Alabama players announcing his cause.

Career Statistical Leaders: The Alabama Football Record Book

 

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