Nick Gates will be wearing the CASA Program logo on his National Football League cleats on Dec. 4, to raise awareness for the urgent need for CASA volunteers. He will wear the CASA logo as part of the NFL’s My Cause My Cleats, in which players have the opportunity to pick a cause that is important to them and represent their chosen organization on custom designed cleats.

Gates is no stranger to a cause worth fighting. In 2021, Gates started in two games before suffering a season-ending leg injury. Against all odds, he endured seven surgeries and fought his way back to playing football in the NFL.

“I’ve always had people in my corner advocating for me. I want to pay-it-forward and spotlight the huge need for CASA volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected kids. In my hometown of Las Vegas alone, there are over 3,200 children in the child welfare system who need a CASA volunteer to speak for their best interests,” said Nick Gates.

The CASA program in Las Vegas, which is part of the Family Division of the Eighth Judicial District Court, recruits, screens, trains and supports volunteers to represent the best interests of hundreds of foster children who have been abused or neglected. There is an urgent need for CASA volunteers who spend about two hours a week to represent the children in school, child and family team meetings, and in court.

“We are so happy to have the support of such an exceptional athlete and person as Nick Gates, said Eighth Judicial District Court CEO Steve Grierson. His willingness to help raise awareness for both our National and local CASA/GAL programs makes a huge impact on our children and highlights the urgent need for CASA volunteers to speak for abused and neglected kids.”

Gates was originally signed as a rookie free agent by the New York Giants on May 10, 2018. He played at Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, where he helped lead his team to three straight state titles. He was named first team All-Nevada. Gates has played in 34 NFL games with 21 starts – 17 at center, two at right tackle, one at left guard and one at right guard, according to the Giants’ website.

For more information about the CASA program in Las Vegas call 702-455-CASA, or visit www.casalasvegas.org.