The vibrant energy of football season is back, and it’s not just humans who are buzzing with excitement, our furry companions are part of the fanfare too! When it comes to enjoying a good game, tossing around a football chew toy with your pooch during halftime or cozying up with your kitty on the couch isn’t uncommon. As the gridiron action unfolds, NFL stars are taking a moment to spotlight their four-legged pals, reminding us that they too are part of the football family. But there’s more to this adorable narrative.
The good folks at Best Friends Animal Society decided to bridge the love for animals with the love for football. They reached out to NFL players, asking them to strike a pose with their beloved pets, all of whom were adopted from shelters or rescues. This isn’t just a whimsical endeavor; it’s a heartfelt plea encouraging the ‘adopt, don’t shop’ ethos, a sentiment that resonates with many, including some of the gladiators of the gridiron.
Having influential players from one of America’s favorite sports supporting adoption will hopefully inspire more people to get out and save pets’ lives.
Julie Castle, CEO of Best Friends Animal Society
A slew of players leaped (or should we say, sprinted?) at the chance to flaunt their adopted buddies. The list of participants reads like a who’s who of NFL – with Marlon Humphrey and Ronnie Stanley from Baltimore Ravens, Alex Anzalone of Detroit Lions, Houston Texans’ Cameron Johnston, Derrick Nnadi from Kansas City Chiefs, Las Vegas Raiders’ Maxx Crosby, Miami Dolphins’ Brandon Jones, Minnesota Vikings’ Harrison Phillips, New York Giants’ duo Collin Johnson and Darren Waller, Philadelphia Eagles’ Jake Elliott, Pittsburgh Steelers’ Isaiahh Loudermilk, Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Chris Godwin, and free agent Logan Ryan all joining the furry fiesta.
These inspiring players are showing us all how to be a true MVP this season — by giving a shelter pet an amazing home and a lifetime of love.”
Best Friends Animal Society
The photos are a delightful exhibit of camaraderie between the athletes and their pets, who seem to be relishing the limelight in their own quirky ways. Take Ronnie Stanley’s pitbulls, Rico And Lola, for instance, who couldn’t contain their excitement, showering their dad with kisses amid the photo shoot. Conversely, Darren Waller’s cat, Spyro, appeared to have a more… shall we say, “reserved” reaction.
Regardless of their demeanor during the photo shoot, one thing is crystal clear – the lives of these pets have taken a turn for the fantastic since being adopted. And as we revel in the football season, here’s hoping many more animals will find their forever homes, thanks to this heartwarming campaign by our cherished football stars. Who knows, the next time you’re cheering for your team, you might just be inspired to adopt a new teammate of your own!