Rams defensive end Kobie Turner emphasizes the importance of the immigrant experience, drawing from his own family heritage—his grandfather immigrated from Jamaica, and his wife’s parents are from Peru. In an effort to honor his family’s legacy and advocate for all immigrants, Turner chose to support the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA) through the NFL’s “My Cause My Cleats” initiative.
Turner expressed the urgency of uplifting immigrant families during tumultuous times. “There’s been a lot of hard times as of late,” he noted, highlighting the uncertainty many face, and advocating for the recognition of immigrants as foundational to American society. “Immigrants are so important to America; they are the backbone to this country.”
Originally sparked by Chicago Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall’s protest against the NFL’s uniform policy in 2013, the “My Cause My Cleats” initiative allows players to wear specially designed cleats that represent charitable causes close to their hearts. Turner is notably the only player in the league currently highlighting immigrant rights through this campaign.
Luis Tadeo, director of marketing and public relations at CHIRLA, acknowledges the significance of having a prominent sports figure like Turner advocating for the immigrant community. He hopes Turner’s high-profile support encourages other athletes and teams in Los Angeles to take a stand on behalf of immigrant families. “We hope that other players and other teams in Los Angeles, who have been silent during these moments, see Turner and the Rams as an example of what they could do for immigrant families,” Tadeo emphasized.
In the upcoming game, Turner plans to wear vibrant pink cleats as the Rams aim for their sixth consecutive victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at SoFi Stadium. Known for his contributions on the field, Turner has already amassed impressive stats this season, including 22 tackles and 1.5 sacks, helping lead his team to an 8-2 record and positioning them as contenders for the Super Bowl.
Beyond the gridiron, Turner’s philanthropic spirit shines through his involvement with the local community. On Tuesday, he, along with Rams staff and cheerleaders, will collaborate with South L.A. nonprofit A Place Called Home to provide meals and distribute 400 turkeys and Thanksgiving supplies to families in need. Additionally, Turner will showcase his musical talent by performing with the youth band 29Live during the event.
As CHIRLA prepares to bring a group of immigrant youth to Sunday’s game, Tadeo hopes that Turner’s commitment will catalyze broader change during a time when many immigrants face challenges and fear. “Our mission is to achieve a just society fully inclusive of immigrants,” he asserted, encouraging support from all corners, from sports fields to political arenas. Turner’s advocacy not only champions the rights of immigrants but also reinforces their vital role in weaving the cultural fabric of America.