Pittsburgh Steeler DeAngelo Williams Is Changing the Way the NFL Supports Breast Cancer

Sports

 | September 22, 2016 | By Margo Gothelf

Pittsburgh Steelers running back DeAngelo Williams is going out of his way to support a cause near to his heart.

In 2014, Williams lost his mother to breast cancer when she was 53 years old. Williams, who also lost four aunts to the same disease, decided to take a stand and help support the prevention of breast cancer.

Williams’ non-profit organization, The DeAngelo Williams Foundation, is now planning to cover the cost for 53 mammograms at several hospitals located in Pittsburgh and North Carolina.

In honor of my Mom, Charlotte Radiology & I provided mammograms to 53 women in need because #MammogramsSavesLiveshttps://t.co/jVScbVffF2

— DeAngelo Williams (@DeAngeloRB) October 6, 2015

Before Williams’ mother passed away, he partnered with the NFL to raise awareness about breast cancer. Thanks to Williams and his cause, the NFL now allows players to wear pink cleats during the month of October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

This is dedicated to my mom, my aunts & women everywhere affected by Breast Cancer. I love you. #WeAreInThisTogetherhttps://t.co/bAwaanlfzV

— DeAngelo Williams (@DeAngeloRB) October 11, 2015

While seeing the pink cleats on the field is a move in the right direction, Williams hoped the NFL would adjust their rules about uniforms and allow other pink accessories to be worn all season long. However, when Williams asked about the uniform amendment, he was given a hard “No.”

“There is a long-standing policy for all players regarding uniforms that is league-wide for all 32 teams,” Troy Vincent, NFL’s vice president of football operations, said in a statement. “The league works with the clubs and players to raise awareness collectively for breast cancer during the month of October.”

The NFL has a long-standing history of being strict with their uniform policy. In 2006, the NFL fined Steelers defensive end Cam Heyward $5,787 after he wrote “Ironhead” in his eye black, giving a nod to his father who had just passed away from cancer.

Got fined for honoring my Dad who bravely fought cancer on my eye black. #Nevergiveup #CancerSucks pic.twitter.com/RTx988ijG9

— Cam Heyward (@CamHeyward) October 14, 2015

Each year the players are given a specific policy with a list of fines during training camp. A fine for unsportsmanslike conduct can be up to $11,576, while any physical conduct with an official could cost them $28,940.

(H/T Today)