In the world of football, where we can see some pretty terrible things happen (cough cough, Ray Rice) it’s nice to see that there are heartwarming stories that can absolutely break your heart, too.
DeAngelo Williams, star running back for the Carolina Panthers, debuted a new hairdo for the season opener. He dyed his dreadlocks pink to honor his late mother, Sandra Hill, who died of breast cancer in May.
This season is dedicated to u Mom. Love u and miss u. #PinkPanther pic.twitter.com/TlEw8061cG
— DeAngelo Williams (@DeAngeloRB) September 7, 2014
Williams refused to wait for the NFL’s official breast cancer campaign in October, when each team wears some kind of pink apparel. Instead, Williams said, “breast cancer awareness is 365 days a year.” Williams, who has been a long-time advocate for breast cancer, explained why he’s so dedicated to the cause in an essay he wrote after his mother passed away.
“Breast cancer, whether I like it or not, is part of my family’s story. That’s why I am so passionate about raising awareness, because I have seen firsthand how it can impact others. One time, a lady came up to me and said she was going to get examined just because she saw me wearing pink cleats during a game. I walked away thinking, Wow, pink is really so much more than just a color. It’s a lifesaver. It’s awareness. If we reach one, we reach millions. If we reach millions, we’re doing our job and getting closer to finding a cure.”
He also did his toesies all pink, too. Presh!
As part of his ongoing effort to raise awareness for breast cancer, @DeAngeloRB has also painted his toenails pink. pic.twitter.com/mFWRGdmrQD — Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 7, 2014
What a stand-up guy. We could all learn something from Mr. DeAngelo Williams, and not just from his season record for rushing yards (1,515) or his Panthers single-game rushing yards record (210). Sorry, couldn’t resist.