When the Union-Endicott tigers take the field this week, they'll be wearing Chandler Jones' shoes.

"Yeah, we're 54 strong,” said Cole Rivell, a Union-Endicott senior. “So we're very fortunate and very lucky, and thank you Chandler Jones. It’s very generous and I’m fortunate to be a part of a program that has such a loving family."

The former U-E star and current Arizona Cardinals Linebacker gave new Nike cleats to the U-E football team. The players are ready to lace them up.

"I think the kids are more excited not that they're getting new cleats but I think they're more excited because they're getting a gift from Chandler Jones,” said Tom Baleno, the Union-Endicott Football Coach. “I mean he's top-notch, he's mastered his craft in the NFL, and just to have -- it could be anything -- a gift from him is what's really special."

Jones graduated from U-E in 2008. Then, he starred at Syracuse University, and the Patriots drafted him in the first round in 2012. He's a Super Bowl champion and one of the best defenders in the NFL, but Baleno says Jones' donation shows it's not always about individual accomplishments.

"I think it's fantastic that he inspires us to be the best version of ourselves,” Baleno said. “I think that he's a great role model. I think he really embodies what U-E football is. And us as a community, we're very proud of him,"

The Tigers will debut their cleats when Union-Endicott hosts Whitesboro on Friday. The team hopes to put its best foot forward.