The NFL has banned DeAngelo Williams from wearing pink on the field to raise awareness for breast cancer, but the Pittsburgh Steelers running back has some big fans who are helping him spread the word anyway: His two young daughters.
Williams, who lost his mother and four aunts to breast cancer, was fined more than $5,700 by the NFL last week for wearing "Find the Cure" eye black during a game against the Kansas City Chiefs. The league, citing a strict uniform policy, has also refused to allow the athlete to wear pink on the field after October, which was Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Williams told ESPN that he was very disappointed by the NFL’s mandate.
"It's not just about October for me; it's not just a month, it's a lifestyle. It's about getting women to recognize to get tested,” he said.
On Sunday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter shared two photographs of Williams’ daughters, both dressed in pink leggings and holding a pink sign expressing their support for their dad.
"We wear PINK because our DADDY is not allowed," the sign read. "The NFL Cannot Fine Us."
As Yahoo! Sports noted, the NFL’s annual breast cancer campaign has raised about $8 million since 2009 for the American Cancer Society.
In that same timespan, however, the league has reportedly fined players over $76.8 million for all infractions, including uniform violations.
This year to date, players have been fined about $30,000 specifically for uniform infractions.