Playing Pink: Breast Cancer Awareness Month revs up the sports world

As sports figures continue to show the world that they're more than just athletes, players and teams from the collegiate level to the pros have honored Breast Cancer Awareness Month with touching and fun-filled tributes during the month of October.

New England Patriots fans participate in a card stunt during a Crucial Catch game against the Cincinnati Bengals in in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
New England Patriots fans participate in a card stunt during a Crucial Catch game against the Cincinnati Bengals in in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  © Jim Rogash / Getty Images North America / Getty Images via AFP

Millions worldwide are affected by the devastation of breast cancer, and during the month of October, the sports world has dedicated its platform to uplifting and amplifying Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Whether through unique pink-tinged fashions, exciting competitions, or special events dedicated to survivors and those diagnosed, sports teams and athletes have come up with a multitude of ways to mark the occasion.

Here are some of the unique ways US sports teams and athletes from the East to the West coasts have honored those on the frontlines of the fight.

Boston Celtics' Jayson Tatum rocks pink for breast cancer

The color pink is widely recognized as the color to honor breast cancer awareness, as pink ribbons are used to represent the fight against the decease and inspire hope for the future.

Ahead of his game in October against the Miami Heat, Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics wore an eye-catching pink outfit to show solidarity with the breast cancer movement.

The three-time NBA all-star and Olympic champion wore a pink knit co-ord with black abstract designs, complimented with pink and black Dunks sneakers – and turned heads for an important cause.

Oregon Ducks sport Stomp Out Cancer custom uniforms

When the Oregon Ducks took down the UCLA Bruins during Week 8 of the college football season, they did so while also paying special tribute to Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

With the help of the school's apparel sponsor Nike, the Ducks revved up their regular uniforms and featured an all black ensemble with vibrant pink hues.

Their helmets also donned bright pink wings, while the team's jersey numbers were also highlighted in bold pink.

In partnership with Fans Authentic and Oregon Heath & Science University (OHSU), the program furthered their dedication to cancer research and support by auctioning off pieces of their exclusive uniforms, with all proceeds donated to OHSU Knight Cancer Institute.

NFL intercepts cancer with its Crucial Catch initiative

Since 2009, the NFL and American Cancer Society (ACS) have teamed up to support the fight against cancer through the initiative Crucial Catch, which kicks off in football stadiums nationwide each October.

With its mission is to fight cancer through early detection and risk reduction, the league, team clubs, and players have dedicated their platforms to providing individuals with tools to help with noticing symptoms and ramped up education.

Each year, NFL franchises raise awareness during their Crucial Catch games, which each feature on-field and in-stadium events. Such events have included opportunities to honor cancer survivors, those lost, and those currently battling the disease.

In just once instance this year, the Philadelphia Eagles and the Tennessee Titans invited breast cancer survivors on the field for a moment of recognition.

Expanding on its fighting spirit, the sports world continues to do more each October to ramp up the battle against breast cancer, and to encourage fans to get in on the action too.

Cover photo: Jim Rogash / Getty Images North America / Getty Images via AFP

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