The NFL beginning next season is "expanding its annual breast cancer platform during the month of October to raise awareness for other types of cancer," according to Jenny Vrentas of THE MMQB. Teams were told last week they can choose their "own cancer cause to support during a three-week window next October." The initiative will still carry the "A Crucial Catch" title, but teams now can "choose breast cancer, or another detectable, screenable cancer such as prostate or colorectal cancer -- or one to which a player or coach has a personal tie." Clubs can "support more than one cancer cause per season, and they can change their choice(s) from one season to the next." The NFL since '09 has "dressed its fields, sidelines and players in pink every October to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer screenings and education" in partnership with the American Cancer Society. The campaign beginning in '17 will "still focus on preventing and detecting cancer through education and screening" instead of "committing funds to cancer research." The league claims to have raised nearly $15M for the ACS "during that eight-year span through the sales of pink merchandise, auction of game-worn equipment and contributions from corporate partners." Details for the '17 campaign, such as a new logo, are "still being worked out," and there likely will not be an "element on player uniforms in the first year." Additionally, since there will not be "one signature color" associated with the effort, the NFL and ACS are "looking into other ways to raise funds beyond the sale and auction of gear and game-used equipment" (MMQB.SI.com, 12/13).
