Fans were understandably excited when the Kansas City Chiefs signed tailback LeSean McCoy earlier this month, and for good reason, as the 10-year veteran has been one of the league's most productive players during his time in the NFL.
But every time McCoy trots into the end zone or tallies triple-digit rushing yards this season, it'll mean a lot more than just another impressive performance on the field.
McCoy is one of 14 players to join the fight against pediatric cancer this season through the "Still Strong Foundation," which was created by former NFL linebacker Devon Still when his daughter was diagnosed with cancer. Each week, participating players will dedicate their performances to the cause by encouraging fans to pledge a pre-determined donation based on certain statistical achievements, such as catches or tackles.
For McCoy, those checkpoints will be touchdowns and 100-yard games.
It's a cause that's close to the veteran tailback's heart.
"[Still and I] are good friends, and when his daughter was battling cancer, [I realized] that we take football for granted. It's a game that we love to play, but that puts life in perspective," McCoy said. "He'd do anything for his daughter and that touched me because I have a son. We used to always talk about football and the things that football has brought us, but when his daughter got sick, those conversations changed. That really touched me."
Still's daughter, Leah, has been in remission for five years now following her battle with stage 4 neuroblastoma, but along with the help of players like McCoy, the fight against cancer is ongoing.
"This is a big platform," McCoy said. "I want to use it to the best of my ability to make people aware of things like this and to just get their support."
To join McCoy's campaign, click here.
