Defensive end Cam Heyward was fined by the league for wearing eye black with the words IRON HEAD on them. Heyward did it to honor his late father, Craig “Ironhead” Heyward, during breast cancer awareness month. Craig Heyward died of brain cancer in 2006.
Under the league rules personal messages are forbidden on team uniforms. Heyward did not disclose the amount of the fine, but under league policy it’s a $5,787 fine for a first offense.
“I understand it’s a uniform policy,” Heyward said. “I’ve been doing it for a long time. It’s something dear to my heart. I honor my dad. It’s unfortunate.”
Heyward said he would appeal the fine and said he would like to continue to honor his father in the same way in future games. During the month of October the NFL allows players to wear pink shoes and have other pink accessories because it’s breast cancer awareness month.
Running back DeAngelo Williams asked the league if he could wear pink all season but was denied. His mother died of breast cancer.
Got fined for honoring my Dad who bravely fought cancer on my eye black. #Nevergiveup #CancerSucks pic.twitter.com/RTx988ijG9
— Cam Heyward (@CamHeyward) October 14, 2015
First Published: October 14, 2015, 5:42 p.m.