Cincy Shirts has partnered with Devon Still, defensive tackle for the Cincinnati Bengals, by creating a T-shirt to raise funds for pediatric cancer research. The cause hits home for Still, as his 4-year-old daughter Leah was diagnosed with Stage 4 neuroblastoma in June.
After the diagnosis was given, the Bengals gave Still permission to leave organized team activities and minicamp so he could be there for his daughter. When he came back to play later in the summer, Still was so focused on his daughter that the team had to cut him after the final preseason game.
The Bengals re-signed Still to the practice squad so he could receive a paycheck and health insurance to take care of Leah. This didn’t last long, and Still was recently added back to the roster. Head coach Marvin Lewis told him that regardless of his active status, he can go home to visit Leah whenever he wants.
With how much negative press the NFL has been receiving with the Ray Rice and Adrian Peterson abuse scandals, the support given to Still reminds fans of the good in the organization and how unifying sports can be in the face of tragedy.
To further support, the “Still Strong” shirts cost $25, and Cincy Shirts is giving $15 directly to Still’s PLDGIT campaign. PLDGIT benefits Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, where Leah is currently receiving treatment.
The Bengals are also still selling Still’s jersey for $100, donating all proceeds to pediatric cancer. After a few days, sales raised $400,000 for the cause. New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton has bought 100 jerseys, which Still could only describe as amazing.
Still struggles with the fight his daughter has to go through, who has a 50 percent chance of living, but wholeheartedly thanks those who have supported him and Leah. According to MMQB, he admitted, “At times I’ve felt like I couldn’t go on…But the Bengals have been so good to me. People I don’t know have been so good to me. Fans have been so good.”
Read more: Patriots Cheerleaders Wear Bengals Jersey To Support Devon Still’s Daughter