In what has turned into a horrendous week for the NFL, there’s one feel-good story in football right now that is not getting the recognition it deserves. Overshadowed by the Ray Rice fiasco is the story of Devon Still.
Still is a DT for the Cincinnati Bengals who recently found out that his four-year-old daughter Leah was diagnosed with cancer. As a result of injuries, Still was cut by the Bengals as they whittled their roster down to 53 players. However, to ensure that Stills had proper insurance to help his daughter get the treatment she needs, the Bengals kept the DT on their practice squad while he stepped away to help his daughter. Earlier today, the Bengals took things a step further and added Still to their active roster.
Congrats to @Dev_Still71 on being signed to the Bengals active roster. Thanks to the Bengals organization for all their support
— Drew Rosenhaus (@RosenhausSports) September 9, 2014
The Bengals also had previously announced that they would be donating all proceeds from sales of Still’s jersey to the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital to help fight cancer. Bengals fans and football fans everywhere stepped up to the plate, and after just 24 hours, Still now has the highest selling jersey in Bengals history over a 24-hour period according to ESPN.
Late Monday, the Cincinnati Bengals announced via their website they were donating all proceeds from sales of Still’s jersey to pediatric cancer research.
Less than 24 hours later, a team official told ESPN.com that more of the defensive tackle’s black No. 75 jerseys had been sold in that time span than any jersey featuring any other Bengals player ever.
Ever?
“Ever,” Jeff Berding, the Bengals’ director of sales and public affairs, said. He didn’t have an exact number of sales at the time.
I guess not everything associated with the NFL right now is bad, hopefully this great story gets the attention it deserves. Kudos to the Bengals organization for doing the right thing and helping Still in this tough time.