NFL Declines DeAngelo Williams’ Request To Wear Shoes For Breast Cancer

It seems the NFL only wants to be pink for part of the year.

While the entire league celebrates Breast Cancer Awareness Month every October with pink gloves, accessories and shoes, Pittsburgh Steelers running back DeAngelo Williams wants to wear his pink cleats year-round.

Why? Four of his aunts as well as his mother, Sharon Hill, died of the disease. His mother passed in May 2014. Williams also has dyed his hair pink to honor his family and raise awareness.

Williams petitioned the NFL to allow him to wear his pink sneakers throughout the season, but because the shoes don’t align with the league’s strict uniform policy, Williams won’t be able to wear them after Oct. 31. As reported by ESPN, Troy Vincent, the NFL’s VP of operations, told the player on Monday that he can’t wear the pink shoes or even armbands to honor his family.

“It’s not just about October for me. It’s not just a month — it’s a lifestyle. It’s about getting women to get tested,” he told ESPN during Monday Night Football.

No word yet on whether the NFL will have a change of heart on this one.

This is dedicated to my mom, my aunts & women everywhere affected by Breast Cancer. I love you. #WeAreInThisTogether https://t.co/bAwaanlfzV

— DeAngelo Williams (@DeAngeloRB) October 11, 2015