While the entire league celebrates Breast Cancer Awareness Month every October with pink gloves, accessories and shoes, Pittsburgh Steelers running back DeAngelo Williams wants to wear his pink cleats year-round. He dyed his hair pink instead, which he said he plans to keep for the remainder of his career.
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Sandra Hill, and four aunts to breast cancer.
Despite the setback, Williams partnered with Charlotte Radiology last December to pay for the mammograms of 53 women – in honor of his mother’s age when she died – at a hospital in Charlotte. Before Pittsburgh, Williams played for the Carolina Panthers.
Williams petitioned the NFL to allow him to wear his pink sneakers throughout the season, but because the shoes don’t align with the league’s strict uniform policy, Williams won’t be able to wear them after October. 31.
He starred in an NFL commercial about breast cancer awareness that tells the viewer “football is family”.
ESPN’s Lisa Salters first mentioned his intention during the Monday Night Football broadcast.
Williams’ foundation looks for ways to support for breast cancer research and providing preventative care for people who need it. “The same way it made you feel after you heard it-like, man”, he said.
Williams is one of several players representing the NFL’s annual pink event, which encourages women to get their yearly screenings and asks for donations for the American Cancer Society.
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It’s a touching tribute to not only his mother, but to breast cancer warriors everywhere. Share in the comments!
