words // Brandon Richard
While the NFL is allowing pink gear on field during October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Chicago Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall used his Thursday Night platform to bring awareness to another important issue — Mental Illness Awareness Week.
Marshall, who was diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder in 2011, wore lime green Nike Hypervenom cleats last night in support of Mental Health. Unfortunately, the cleats do not meet the NFL's strict uniform policy and Marshall will likely be fined somewhere in the neighborhood for $10,000 for his footwear statement.
This wasn't just about stirring things up for Marshall. He's already promised to match any fines with donations to charities supporting both Mental Illness and Breast Cancer Awareness.
"I'm going to get fined and I'm going to match that, and we want to partner with a cancer-care," Marshall told ESPN. "We're still working on the details to give, really give back to an organization that is doing work in the mental health area. [Also], the diagnosis of breast cancer can hit families hard. It affects all of us."
It's also worth pointing out that the Hypervenom is a soccer cleat. Kickers make a habit out of wearing soccer cleats on the field, but it's not often you see skilled position players not wearing something designated for football. Marshall wore the Phatal FG version of the Hypervenom, which retails for $120.
You can big on the game-worn cleats now at buybrandonsshoes.com. Proceeds from the auction go to the Brandon Mashall Foundation.
Marshall didn't just wear bright green cleats last night — he put up big numbers. With nine receptions, he tallied 87 yards and two touchdowns to help life the Bears to a 27-21 victory over the New York Giants.
images via Chicago Tribune McClatchy-Tribune / David Banks / Johnathan Daniel / Getty Images, Mike DiNovo / USA TODAY Sports, Charles Rex Arbogast / Nam Y. Huh AP Photo
