Today, our hearts are full of pride and gratitude as we celebrate a true champion—not just on the football field, but in the community.
Many of you will remember when Aden Durde, then a coach for the Dallas Cowboys, chose to support the Godwin Lawson Foundation during the NFL’s MyCause, My Cleats initiative. Aden didn’t just pick a charity; he chose to tell a story. He personally designed and wore custom boots featuring Godwin’s name, alongside powerful words like "Listen," "Unite,"and "Breaking Barriers."
For Aden, this was personal. Growing up in North London, he saw first hand the challenges young people face. By wearing Godwin’s name on the biggest stage in the world, he ensured that Godwin’s legacy—and our mission to end knife crime—reached millions of homes. We will be forever grateful for his voice, his empathy, and the way he helped us turn a tragedy into a message of hope.
A Message from our CEO, Yvonne Lawson
"Watching Aden walk onto that field with Godwin’s name on his boots was a moment I will never forget. It told us that we weren't alone in our fight. Seeing him now, as a Super Bowl winner with the Seattle Seahawks, brings me so much joy. Aden is more than a coach; he is a beacon of hope for every young person in our community. He showed the world that you can reach the pinnacle of success while still carrying the hearts of those you left behind. We are so incredibly proud of him." — Yvonne Lawson, MBE
Making History in Seattle
Since that partnership, Aden’s journey has reached heights we always knew he was capable of. After his successful stint in Dallas, he moved to the Seattle Seahawks to become their Defensive Coordinator—making history as the first British-born coordinator in the NFL.
And now, he is a Super Bowl Champion!
Watching a son of North London lift the Vince Lombardi Trophy was a moment of pure inspiration. Aden is living proof that where you start doesn’t define where you can go. He has broken every barrier in his way, all while remaining the same humble, dedicated man who sat down with us years ago to hear Godwin’s story.
Aden, thank you for taking Godwin with you on your journey. Thank you for showing our young people that the "impossible" is reachable.
Congratulations, Coach. You’ve made history, but more importantly, you’ve made a difference.