NFL player Hunter Henry might be known for his work on the football field, but off the gridiron, the New England Patriots tight end is making big moves to help end human trafficking.
Partnering with International Justice Mission, Henry is leveraging his platform as a professional athlete to raise awareness about an issue he’s been passionate about since his high school days. For Henry, this cause is deeply personal and spiritual—an opportunity to align his faith and influence with impactful action.
“I remember being at an assembly in high school and hearing about human trafficking,” Henry shared. “It shocked me and stuck with me. When I got into the NFL and had the means to give back, I looked for organizations making a big impact, and IJM aligned with everything I believe in.”
As an NFL player, Henry recognizes the unique platform he’s been given—a responsibility he attributes to his faith.
“I feel like God put me here for a reason,” he said. “Why not allow Him to move through me in a way that lets other people learn about these issues and make an impact?”
For Henry, becoming a father of two has deepened his resolve to fight modern-day slavery.
“It’s crazy that in today’s world, there are millions of people — many of them kids — being held against their will,” he said. “Thinking about my own kids ever going through that breaks my heart. If I can support IJM and help even a little, it’s worth it.”
Henry’s involvement includes being part of IJM’s Team Freedom, a community of professional athletes and their families made up of partners in the NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, US Soccer and USATF. These athletes partner with IJM to use the global power of sport to protect people in poverty from human trafficking, slavery and other forms of violence. Since its inception, Team Freedom members have advocated for survivors, traveled internationally to meet IJM frontline teams, leveraged their influence to bring IJM’s work before hundreds of millions of people, and raised $20 million to rescue and restore people from slavery and violence.
Last year, he created a special pair of cleats with IJM’s message on it to encourage others to get involved, showing that he’s using all parts of his platform to spread this message.
While you’re watching your favorite @nfl teams today, keep an eye out for players wearing IJM cleats!
Thank you @MGarcia_76, Alex Highsmith, @JordanHicks, @Kingg_j1, @Hunter_Henry84, & Matthew Slater 🏈#MyCauseMyCleats pic.twitter.com/tqhJ1ljDec
— International Justice Mission (@IJM) December 3, 2023
While his contributions have primarily focused on raising awareness, Henry recognizes the power of his position.
“As professional athletes, we have such a huge platform,” he said. “Using it to draw attention to issues like human trafficking is important.”
Next spring, Henry is set to travel with his wife, Parker, to Kenya to witness IJM’s work firsthand. He said he’s eager to meet the “boots-on-the-ground” teams and see the impact up close. “I’ve heard the stories, but meeting the people who are doing the daily work — that’s going to be impactful,” he said.
“Seeing the stories of survivors — actual people being rescued — is the most rewarding part for me,” he continued. “Sometimes you give to an organization and hope it makes a difference, but with IJM, there’s proof. Systems are changing, justice is being served, and lives are being transformed.”
Why IJM?
International Justice Mission is one of the world’s largest anti-slavery organizations, working in over 30 program offices across the globe. In 2023 alone, IJM helped rescue over 10,000 individuals from situations of trafficking and exploitation. They’ve trained more than 80,000 law enforcement and government officials, ensuring systemic change in the fight against modern slavery. Since its founding, IJM has facilitated the rescue of over 85,000 people and continues to advocate for justice reform in some of the most vulnerable regions worldwide.
Henry’s message to those considering partnering with IJM is clear: “They’re an incredible organization doing everything the right way to end human trafficking and modern slavery. There’s evidence behind their work, and the impact is real. Supporting IJM means being part of a solution that’s making a difference worldwide.”
For Giving Tuesday, Henry is partnering with IJM to raise money to fund their global efforts to raise awareness of human trafficking and bring an end to modern-day slavery.
To join Henry and support IJM today, click here.
