Vikings mascot highlights effort to get kids active

NFL Play 60, a joint initiative of the American Heart Association and the National Football League that encourages kids to be active, was spotlighted on the shoes of the Minnesota Vikings’ mascot. (Photo courtesy of Minnesota Vikings) — NFL Play 60, a joint initiative of the American Heart Association and the National Football League that encourages kids to be active, was spotlighted on the shoes of the Minnesota Vikings' mascot. (Photo courtesy of Minnesota Vikings)

In the spirit of the National Football League's My Cause, My Cleats campaign, this year Minnesota Vikings mascot Viktor the Viking invited kids to submit designs for his shoes to raise awareness for NFL Play 60.

Viktor wore the shoes for the game Dec. 9. The designer, a 9-year-old boy named Anthony, was invited to the game and gets to keep the shoes.

NFL Play 60 is a joint initiative of the American Heart Association and the National Football League to engage kids and their families in physical activity to support mental and physical wellness. The goal is to inspire youth to be physically active 60 minutes every day.

My Cause, My Cleats allows NFL players from each team to express commitment to causes most important to them and wear a design representing that cause on their cleats. This season, nine players chose the American Heart Association as their cause to highlight.

*Viktor the Viking wore his NFL Play 60 shoes, designed by a young fan, on game day Dec. 9. (Photo courtesy of Minnesota Vikings)*

Written by American Heart Association editorial staff and reviewed by science and medicine advisers. See our editorial policies and staff.

Last Reviewed: Dec 16, 2021