Defensive Tackle Devon Still Announces Retirement from NFL

Devon

Troy Taormina
USA Today Sports

Image via USA Today Sports

Troy Taormina

Devon Still, the NFL defensive tackle who became a national story as his daughter, Leah, battled cancer, has announced his retirement from the league. Still played parts of four seasons, competing for the Cincinnati Bengals, Houston Texans, and New York Jets. His last regular season action came with Houston in 2016.

"I never wanted to be somebody who gives up on their dreams," Still told TMZ Sports. "But I don't want to be somebody who chases their dream too long and misses other opportunities." 

Leah was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in June 2014. Still decided to put his football career on hold, stating that "sports is not more important than me being there while my daughter is fighting for her life." 

Still documented Leah's journey on social media, and her fight became the NFL's fight, as players and teams around the league ran numerous promotions to raise funds to fight childhood cancer. Additionally, Bengals coach Marvin Lewis offered Still a spot on the team's practice squad, so he could pay for Leah's cancer treatments but did not have to travel with the team.

In July 2015, the father and daughter received the Jimmy V Award at the ESPY Awards. The story had a happy ending, as Leah went into remission that same year. In January 2016, Still made the announcement that Leah remained cancer-free—the disease was behind her.

Still was an All-American at Penn State and was drafted in the second round in 2012. The 28-year-old finished his professional career with 43 tackles, three passes defended and 0.5 sacks.

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