The Pittsburgh Steelers' Cameron Heyward believes the NFL should allow him to wear his eye black in support of cancer even though it violates the league's uniform policy. He has the support of several players, including former Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Devon Still, according to a report by ESPN's Coley Harvey.
Devon Still supports Cameron Heyward’s tribute to his late father
Another player voices opposition to the NFL’s draconian enforcement of its uniform policy.
Last year, Still wore similar messages displaying the words “Leah Strong,” a reference to his daughter who was diagnosed with Stage 4 pediatric cancer. Still’s public support of his daughter’s condition increased awareness about childhood cancers and helped raise money for research. The league did not fine Still for the messages.
“When I did it, I had no idea you weren’t allowed to do it,” Still said. “It was just something I wanted to do for my daughter to take her out on the field with me. I didn’t really get any backlash from the league.”
Similarly, Heyward wishes to promote awareness of another cancer.
The defensive lineman has eschewed the NFL’s wish for him to remove his “IRON HEAD” eye black messages, a tribute to his late father, Craig “Ironhead” Heyward, who died of brain cancer in 2006. To date, he has received a fine of $5,787 and faces another worth $11,576 for placing the messages below his eyes on game days. Heyward has appealed the original fine with a hearing scheduled for Tuesday.
“In a month when breast cancer is honored, I think every type of cancer should be honored as well,” Heyward said to the Pittsburgh Press-Gazette.
Still thinks the league should allow Heyward to display his message just as it did for him with his daughter.
“I definitely support him,” Still said. “He’s using his platform and trying to support his dad with an important cause. I don’t see nothing wrong that.”
Other players on the Steelers have faced similar opposition from the league over their attempts to promote disease awareness. The NFL denied running back DeAngelo Williams the opportunity to wear pink throughout the season to honor his late mother, a victim of breast cancer.
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