The Steelers running back plans to dye his hair pink for the duration of the season, like he did last season while playing for the Panthers.
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Throughout October, every team in the league is required to have pink somewhere on their uniform in an effort to raise awareness for breast cancer.
Ever since October 1, Williams has decked himself out in as much pink as possible so that he can honor his mother.
He stated that wanted to wear pink shoes or pink wristbands throughout the year, not just during the traditional breast cancer awareness month of October, to honor his mother and those who have also lost loved ones due to breast cancer. But when he went to the league to ask if he could wear pink for the entire season, the request was denied. In addition to his mother, Williams’ has had four aunts that have been diagnosed with the disease. Williams has taken that challenge seriously, fully embracing the NFL’s October initiatives and starting his own foundation that helps provide free mammograms to women in need.
The NFL’s breast cancer awareness initiatives have been under heavy scrutiny recently. He was upset by the league’s decision, but knows he simply has to move on.
“The same way it made you feel after you heard it – like, man”, Williams said after the game Monday. “He told me no. I’m assuming they are telling everybody else no as well….”
This applies when players have noble causes they want to promote.
DeAngelo Williams can not wear pink all season to honor his mother, who he lost to breast cancer past year, according the NFL.
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We could understand the denial if there was a few sort of gimmick on Williams’ part, but breast cancer awareness is beyond gimmick.
