National Football League

Woman who was inspiration for putting NFL in pink has died

Published May. 16, 2014 11:40 p.m. ET

foxsports

The woman who inspired her son to make the NFL wear pink has died.

Sandra Hill, mother of Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams, passed away Friday morning. After battling breast cancer -- and fighting it off twice -- Hill succumbed to the disease.

It was her struggle that led Williams to urge the NFL to have its players wear pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Now, it's a common sight to see pink shoes, gloves and wristbands on the field during October.

Sandra Hill, @DeAngeloRB's mom, was the inspiration for the NFL allowing players to wear pink cleats back in 2009.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 17, 2014

In 2011, Williams told the Panthers' website: "Whether you're directly or indirectly affected by it, you know what it means when you put on the pink. When I put it on, I wear it because of my aunts and my mom and for everyone that has been diagnosed and those that have beat it.

"I feel that those battling cancer are the real warriors and soldiers. They're the ones we really wear pink for."

Words cannot explain the pain I feel for my good friend today! #Icldntimagine luv deangelowilliams http://t.co/OGtiHxGh88
— Mike Tolbert (@miketolbert35) May 16, 2014