NFL Goes Pink

During National Breast Cancer Awareness Month the National Football League will support the fight against breast cancer. A number of players will be sporting pink attire while in action on the field. You’ll see pink cleats, pink gloves, pink wristbands, pink helmet decals and pink towels.





The idea of pink cleats came from Panthers RB Deangelo Williams, who’s mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004 and is now in remission. However, 3 of her sisters died from breast cancer. He created the Deangelo Williams Foundation dedicated to seeking an end to breast cancer. Chad Ochocinco has said that he will wear a pink chinstrap on his helmet, but the NFL does not list that item as one of the approved. Thus Ochocinco has stated that if fined, he’ll match the amount and donate to the breast cancer charity of his choice. Coaches, refs and sideline personnel will don pink hats, polo shirts & ribbons as well as pink coins used for the coin toss. Can’t but help to wonder if we’ll see Bill Belichick rockin’ a pink Patriots hoodie… LOL. Anyway, games played from Oct 5-27 have been designated as NFL Breast Cancer Awareness games. Items worn during games will be auctioned off at the NFL Auction Network and benefits will go to the American Cancer Society.



Aside from the Williams story, I’ve read a number of accounts from NFL players who have similar stories close to their heart and who felt the need to participate in this show of support openly. I reflect upon the female family members & close friends that I’ve have lost from breast cancer and those survivors who are currently dealing with it. It’s hard when I recall some of the struggles that a number of these women have gone through. The women who are survivors are true warriors. Let’s continue to give them the support that they need. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States, aside from skin cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 192,370 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed among women in the United States this year. An estimated 40,170 women are expected to die from the disease in 2009 alone. Today, there are about 2.5 million breast cancer survivors living in the United States.

I think what the NFL is doing is great. However let’s not limit awareness of breast cancer to just one month out of the year. Let’s educate the women that we love and care about. Let's encourage them to get screened early in an effort to curb the rise of breast cancer out here.

Peace & Love…

G. Mo