Austin Blythe supports Ed Thomas Family Foundation with custom cleats

The NFL's strict footwear restrictions are lifted for a weekend, with players around the league allowed to wear custom cleats without being fined to support charities thanks to the 'My Cause My Cleats' campaign.

Former Iowa and Williamsburg lineman Austin Blythe had his home state in mind when selecting his cause.

Blythe will sport cleats featuring the Ed Thomas Family Foundation when the Indianapolis Colts visit the New York Jets on Monday night.

Very proud and excited to be able to represent an incredible person and his legacy this week! @EdThomasFF pic.twitter.com/OUspjTHENn

— Austin Blythe (@ABlythe63)

Thomas was a beloved football coach at Aplington-Parkersburg who helped lead the town of Parkersburg's rebuilding efforts following a devastating tornado in May 2008. The Ed Thomas Family Foundation was established to continue his legacy after he was shot and killed in June 2009.

Blythe was a finalist for the first Ed Thomas Mr. Football Award after his senior season at Williamsburg in 2010. He went on to a career at Iowa, where he was named second-team all-Big Ten twice, before being drafted by the Colts in April. He's played in seven games this season and started one.

Here are some other players with Iowa ties who promoted charities this week:

David Johnson, Arizona Cardinals, former UNI, Clinton running back: Stomp Out Bullying

Excited to support @STOMPOutBullyng and help spread awareness in tomorrow's game! #MyCauseMyCleats #StompOutBullying pic.twitter.com/bvassPC0mB

— David Johnson (@DavidJohnson31)

Chad Greenway, Minnesota Vikings, former Iowa linebacker: Lead The Way Foundation, established by Greenway in 2008

.@chadgreenway52 will represent his Lead the Way Foundation with these cleats tomorrow night. #MyCauseMyCleats https://t.co/8EcmCdgfFk pic.twitter.com/GpkgFl7Spr

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings)

Adam Gettis, New York Giants, former Iowa offensive lineman: Special Olympics

Great time in Pittsburgh meeting some amazing athletes from #SpecialOlympics! Representing them with #MyCauseMyCleats #NYGiants #Blessed pic.twitter.com/qbUPHwQ9NV

— Adam Gettis (@NotOnDuty__)

Kelechi Osemele, Oakland Raiders, former Iowa State offensive lineman

Wearing these Sunday to raise awareness on mental illness. Mood disorders are the third most common cause of hospitalization in the U.S. pic.twitter.com/HFahkZ1ynQ

— Kelechi Osemele (@KOseven0)