In today’s NFL climate, which has been clouded by scandal and possible corruption, the story of Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Devon Still continues to transcend sports. This story gets even more heartwarming as Still gave an inspiring pep talk to his four-year-old daughter Leah before her cancer surgery.
Still was drafted in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft and was cut this year in training camp. He said it was the right move because his focus had not been 100 percent on football with Leah’s medical concerns. But the Bengals, in a classy gesture, re-signed him to their practice squad as a way of financially supporting him and Leah, and they later added him to the active roster once more.
In another classy move, 100 percent of Still’s No. 71 jersey sales will go to support pediatric cancer, with sales nearly reaching $1 million. Even New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton joined the cause, buying 100 jerseys, which cost around $10,000, to donate to Cincinnati area children. With the Bengals off this week, Still has been by Leah’s side as she enters surgery just as he has been since June when doctors discovered that she suffered from neuroblastoma, a very serious form of pediatric cancer.
Today, Still announced via Instagram that the doctors were able to remove Leah’s entire tumor in a five-hour procedure. This Instagram video of Still’s pep talk may just be the best thing you watch this week.
Brian Kalchik is a Detroit Lions writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, like him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google+.
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