After learning he was cut from the Cincinnati Bengals this past Saturday, Devon Still thought his football career was over and the fight against his 4-year-old daughter’s stage 4 pediatric cancer had just gotten harder. A phone call shortly after ended with a second chance and an opportunity to pay for little Leah’s treatments.
The Bengals brought Still onto the practice team and he claims the move was a “blessing in disguise.” Devon Still learned of Leah’s sickness back in June and the diagnosis probably explains the lack of drive on the field. He also missed mini camps and practices to be home with his daughter.
“They could have washed their hands with me and said they didn’t care about what I was going through off the field,” Still said. “It’s like a blessing in disguise for me.”
As a member of the practice squad, Still will be paid a weekly salary of $6,300 and be given health insurance. He will also be able to travel less due to his daughter’s condition in which he says he’s grateful for. “We’re going to go to battle with cancer,” Still said. “She’s willing to put up a fight to beat it.”
IMAGE:FOX SPORTS/CBS