CINCINNATI — Former Bengal Devon Still and his daughter Leah are returning to Cincinnati this weekend to be the 'Rulers of the Jungle' for Sunday's game.
Each season, teams pick one game to honor cancer survivors or those battling cancer as part of the NFL's "Crucial Catch" mission. While the Bengals plan to recognize survivors at halftime of their game against the Atlanta Falcons, they will also celebrate the father-daughter duo that captured the country's heart during Still's time in Cincinnati.
At the age of 4, Leah Still was given a 50-50 chance to live after she was diagnosed with neuroblastoma Stage 4 cancer while her father played defensive tackle for the Bengals. Her battle inspired the nation, and she went into remission after rounds of chemotherapy and stem cell treatments.
Still was cut from the active roster and signed to the practice squad prior to the 2014 season, affording him time to visit his daughter who was being treated in Philadelphia. When he returned to the active roster a few weeks later, the organization continued to give him time to tend to his daughter whenever necessary.
During her fight, the team donated proceeds from Still's jersey sales to pediatric cancer research at Cincinnati Children's Hospital. His jersey sold out during the efforts, and the Bengals raised $1.3 million. The two were also honored with the Jimmy V Perseverance Award at the 2015 ESPY Awards.
While Still was waived by the Bengals the next season, his daughter continued to be covered by his medical insurance for the next five years.
"Have nothing but love for the Bengals organization and the city of Cincinnati. Both helped me through one of the darkest times of my life and I am forever grateful," Still said on Instagram after his tenure ended.
Still went on to sign with the Texans and New York Jets before retiring in 2017.
On Twitter, Still said he will sign his jersey for anyone he sees at Paycor Stadium. The game starts at 1 p.m.
