Each year in October, the NFL shows their support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month in more ways than one. Players, coaches and cheerleaders come together and sport various pink gear on game days along with other honorary performances throughout the league.
This year, many cheerleading squads are participating in community appearances as well as incorporating alumni cheerleaders in some of the festivities.
In Atlanta this past week the Falcons cheerleaders hosted a Dazzle & Dine event, treating breast cancer survivors to a day of fine dining with current Falcons players. Dazzle & Dine survivors were honored in a pregame ceremony where the National Anthem was performed by “Shades of Pink,” a choir comprised of breast cancer survivors. Halftime featured a performance by the Falcons cheerleaders who sported all pink uniforms, followed by a BMX stunt show with pink ramps and riders dressed in pink.
In Dallas, Ambassador Nancy Brinker, Founder & CEO of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, will serve as honorary captain for the coin toss at the Cowboys BCA game. At halftime, 300 breast cancer survivors from Komen for the Cure and volunteers whose lives have been affected by breast cancer will form a “human” pink awareness ribbon on the field.
Up north in Buffalo at the October 9th game, 180 Jills cheerleaders and alumni will perform, all dressed in pink. Pink themed sky divers will jump onto the field pregame. ZTA will hand out pink ribbons with the Bills Women’s association and 50,000 pink pom poms will be distributed, provided by Time Warner Cable.
On October 23rd, Jeanette Sparano will join members of the Dolphins Women’s organization and current cheerleaders to participate in a local Komen Race for the Cure. The Dolphins Women’s Organization will participate in breast cancer awareness outreach at the game.
During their October 16th game, the Patriots will highlight breast cancer awareness by honoring breast cancer survivors who will be lined up on the field with the Patriots Cheerleaders for player introductions.
The Tennessee Titan cheerleaders will host 12 breast cancer survivors for a special recognition on the field prior to kickoff on October 23rd. The team’s partner hospital will also have a BCA bus on site during the game.
Many other teams are slated to participate throughout the month of October. For more information on your favorite team’s BCA festivities, please log on to www.nfl.com and search for your team of choice.
