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NFL player picks Austin Pets Alive! for fundraising campaign

Miami Dolphins tight end Durham Smythe is matching donations up to $10,000.

November 21, 2022 • 
Laura Figi
Durham Smythe holding a puppy.

Durham Smythe visited a number of animals, including Cupcake the puppy, at Austin Pets Alive! on Thursday, Nov. 17.

Photo by ATXtoday

Austin resident and Miami Dolphins tight end Durham Smythe has a game plan for local animals.

As part of the NFL’s annual “My Cause My Cleats” campaign — which allows players to represent a charity on custom cleats — Smythe will represent Austin Pets Alive!

A Central Texas native who stays in Austin during the off-season, Smythe said his reasoning for choosing APA! was twofold: he’s a lifetime animal lover, and watched the rescue organization work tirelessly to care for the critters during both Winter Storm Uri in 2021 and throughout the pandemic.

After wearing his APA! cleats for a Sunday, Dec. 4 game against the San Francisco 49ers, they will be auctioned off at NFL Auction and 100% of the proceeds will benefit Austin Pets Alive!

Additionally, Smythe said he will match donations up to $10,000, and maybe even add some new furry friends to his family in the future. So cute.

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