More Than a Game: My Cause My Cleats

The Story Kennedy Rettew started painting Converse in her garage as a kid. She never imagined she'd end up designing cleats for NFL and MLB players.

Now a full-time student at Arizona State running her own business—Kicks by Kenna—she's become one of the go-to artists for pro athletes looking to make a statement. Her work has been worn by Cardinals players, Diamondbacks star Ketel Marte, and athletes across the league. Her motto: you name it, she paints it. But she sees herself as a storyteller first, artist second.

This piece follows Kennedy as she creates custom cleats for the NFL's annual My Cause My Cleats campaign. Cardinals long snapper Aaron Brewer (cancer research) and Hayden Connor (Valley Fever Center of Excellence) trusted her to bring their stories to life. She also designed a pair for former ASU star and Giants rookie Cam Skattebo, continuing his work with Phoenix Children's Hospital.

The Approach This wasn't just a story about shoes. It was about what those shoes represent—athletes using their platform to honor causes bigger than the game, and an artist who makes sure every detail tells that story. We captured Kennedy's process, the meaning behind each design, and the moment these cleats hit the field.

The Result A human-interest sports feature that connects athletic achievement to personal purpose. The kind of story that resonates beyond the box score.