The Bengals are selling game jerseys bearing the name and number of defensive tackle Devon Still, with all proceeds from the $100 uniform tops going to pediatric cancer care and research and the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. It’s a cause with special meaning to Still, whose four-year-old daughter, Leah, is fighting cancer.
On Wednesday came news the New Orleans Saints had purchased 100 Still jerseys, a gesture that drew the appreciation of the third-year pro from Penn State and his team.
And it’s a gesture that came from Saints head coach Sean Payton, according to multiple published reports.
According to Mike Triplett of ESPN.com, Payton purchased the jerseys with his own money after being “moved” upon hearing a radio report about Still and the Bengals. Also, a Saints spokesperson told the New Orleans Times-Picayune that Payton bought the jerseys. All told, it appears the Saints’ head coach could have contributed $10,000 to the causes with the purchases.
The Bengals already appear to have raised more than $100,000 in two days selling Still’s jersey, according to sale figures reported by the club.
The 25-year-old Still told Bengals.com Wednesday he appreciates the jersey purchases and what they mean.
“All the support that people have shown me and my family, it’s truly a blessing,” Still said. “I just wish my daughter could understand. But once she beats cancer and she gets a little older, she’ll be able to look back and see what it all meant.”