At least 100 players in the NFL are expected to don pink cleats in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, according to the . Other pink paraphernalia to be worn by players includes sweatbands, towels, and gloves, but the cleats were the idea of Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams. Williams's mother was diagnosed with breast cancer while he was playing college football in Memphis, and he has since set up a to raise money for women who can't afford treatment.
— Lisa Lombardi