The Emotional Gesture That Brought Tears to Devon Still's Eyes
The football player's daughter faces cancer battle.
— -- This football season has been an emotional roller coaster for Devon Still.
The Bengals defensive lineman has fought for a roster spot while his daughter, Leah, 4, has battled pediatric cancer.
Still’s Bengals lost to the New England Patriots Sunday, with Still recording two tackles. He wore a black nasal strip during the game, with “Leah Strong” scrawled in white.
During the third quarter of the 43-17 New England win, the Patriots cheerleaders donned No. 75 Still jerseys. Gillette Stadium also played a video tribute for Leah, who recently underwent surgery. Still was visibly moved by the support, with a tear seen rolling down his cheek.
"It was very emotional," Still, 25, said after the game. "Every time I see a video like that and get a reminder of what my daughter is going through and what those other kids are going through, it's definitely hard to fight back the tears."
Cincinnati added the Penn State graduate to its practice squad during the off-season, in part to help him keep insurance to pay for Leah’s treatments, but he has since been named to the active roster. Proceeds from the sales of Still’s jerseys – nearly $1 million – have benefited the Cincinnati Children's Hospital and Medical Center.
Related Stories
ABC News Live