While all eyes were on RB Nick Chubb as he scored his first rushing touchdown of the season in Week 7 against the Bengals, some may have noticed LB Winston Reid – wearing a bright pink arm sleeve – who was in at fullback on the play.
The rookie had been involved on defense and special teams, but the play marked his first snap on the offensive side of the ball.
Reid's pink arm sleeve might have been what caught the eye of fans as they took note of a creative offensive package utilizing the linebacker as a fullback, but to Reid the arm sleeve was more than a piece of gear.
Reid's mother passed away from complications related to breast cancer when he was 13 years old. His arm sleeve was an homage to her during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which takes place in October. On Monday Night Football against the Broncos, Reid will be wearing custom cleats inspired by his late mother and her fight against breast cancer as part of the NFL's My Cause My Cleats initiative.
"Just to get people more aware," Reid said of his decision to support American Cancer Society Ohio with his cleats. "During October, I was wearing a pink sleeve, and a lot of people didn't know until I got questions and just let them know my mom had breast cancer. It's good to tell people about it and be more aware of getting a diagnosis if you do have breast cancer in your family."
During Weeks 13 and 14 of the NFL season, Reid and other players across the league have the chance to support a cause important to them and represent that organization on a pair of custom designed cleats as part of the league-wide initiative My Cause My Cleats.
The NFL's My Cause My Cleats initiative began in 2016, allowing players to represent organizations, movements and passions through individual designs.
Reid's cleats will be bright pink and will feature his late mother's name to honor her battle with breast cancer.
"To me, everybody's purpose is a little different," Reid said. "But as far as breast cancer, I can build a little bit more of an awareness. Hopefully, I can teach a little about what breast cancer is. It's very important."
In the U.S., one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. An estimated 310,720 women and 2,800 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in the U.S. in 2024.
When caught in its earliest, localized stages, the five-year relative survival rate is 99 percent, highlighting the importance of frequent breast cancer screenings in order to catch the disease early.
The American Cancer Society recommends that women at average risk of breast cancer get a mammogram every each between ages 45 to 54. For women with a first-degree relative who has had breast cancer, it is generally recommended to start screening 10 years younger than the relative was at the time of her diagnosis.
Beyond his work with American Cancer Society Ohio, Reid has been an important part of the Browns' work in the Northeast Ohio community. The rookie linebacker was one of eight Browns players who participated in the annual Cleveland Browns Halloween Fashion Show on Oct. 22. The event benefited kids served by The Littlest Heroes and University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children's in celebration of the NFL's Crucial Catch initiative.
As Reid continues to build a role on special teams, defense and offense, he's following through on a dream he's had since he was a kid. Signed by the Browns as an undrafted free agent in May 2024, Reid has showcased his versatility on all three sides of the ball. In Week 12 against the Steelers, Reid dove on a loose football – forced out by DE Myles Garrett – for his first career fumble recovery. Just moments earlier, Reid was in at fullback to help Chubb power through the goal line for the Browns' first touchdown of the game.
Reid has played in 10 games during his rookie season, earning one start. He's recorded two passes defensed, one fumble recovery, 16 tackles, one quarterback hit and half a sack on the defensive side of the ball. He's played seven offensive snaps, 78 defensive snaps and 226 special teams snaps in his first season.
Whether he's wearing a pink arm sleeve or custom cleats, or supporting other efforts in the community, Reid's mind is purely focused on football while he's in the game. However, as he puts on his gear in the moments leading up to kickoff, he reflects on his journey to the pros and on his mother.
"During the game, I'm not thinking like 'okay, I'm wearing a pink sleeve' or anything. But leading up to it, putting it on, I'm thinking of it then," Reid said.
Reid's ability to impact the community around him is also part of the fulfillment of a dream he's had since he was a kid. As he works his way into roles on all three phases, he knows his mother would be proud if she saw the man he's become.
"I think she'd be super proud," Reid said. "I mean, it's every footballer's dream to be in the NFL and not a lot of people get there, so I think she'd be proud."
For more information on the Browns' My Cause My Cleats efforts for the 2024 season, visit https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/community/mycausemycleats.
