Major League Soccer is among the 14 sports leagues that on Monday announced the launch of the Real Heroes Project, a superstar-laden initiative designed to recognize and celebrate healthcare workers on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic.
As part of MLS Unites, Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez, Jozy Altidore and Nani will join athletes representing the ATP, MLB, NASCAR, NBA, NFL, NHL, NWSL, USGA, WNBA, WTA and WWE, among other professional and esports leagues, all of whom are dedicating their jerseys and uniforms to a special healthcare hero who is helping their community on the forefront of this global crisis.
Starting Monday, participating athletes will share a personal thank you message to their healthcare hero on social media using the hashtag #TheRealHeroes. Then, on Wednesday, a multi-league public service announcement will debut, and throughout the PSA and personal tributes, athletes will cover their name on their jerseys or uniforms and replace it with the name of their healthcare hero.
Among the athletes participating from other leagues are NWSL and USWNT stars Carli Lloyd and Alex Morgan, New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge, New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, NHL all-time great Wayne Gretzky and WWE legend John Cena (full list of featured athletes).