In a heartwarming display of sportsmanship both on and off the field, the New England Patriots came out in full-fledged support of the daughter of Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Devon Still, 4-year-old Leah Still, who is battling cancer, the New York Daily News reports.
According to the report, during the Sunday-night game between the two teams, Patriots owner Robert Kraft announced that the team would make a $25,000 donation to the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital in Leah’s honor.
In a further display of class, the Patriots’ cheerleaders wore Still’s Bengals jersey while cheering on the sidelines as a special treat to the little girl, who reportedly loves cheerleaders.
As the Daily News notes, Still recently posted a picture of his own team’s cheerleaders wearing “Still Strong” and “Woman of Still” shirts on Friday, saying that his daughter would be “hype.”
The father was shown on camera at the same time Leah’s picture showed up on the stadium scoreboard, with his face painted in eye black and the words “Leah Strong” across his cheekbones and nose. A single tear rolled down his cheek.
The NFL as an organization has also kept Still and his daughter’s fight in mind, announcing that proceeds from Still’s jersey sales would be donated to cancer research.
Read more at the New York Daily News.