Steelers Lineman Claims NFL Fined Him For Eye Black Tribute To Late Father

The NFL doesn’t play around when it comes to its uniform code.

Earlier in the week, a story surrounding Pittsburgh Steelers running back DeAngelo Williams enraged many fans. It was reported on “Monday Night Football” that Williams asked the NFL if he could wear pink accessories throughout the season as a tribute to his mother who died of breast cancer in 2014. The NFL rejected Williams’ request, citing the league’s uniform regulations.

Williams’ teammate, lineman Cam Heyward didn’t ask for permission. Instead, Heyward wore eye strips with the words “Iron” and “Head” on them. Those strips were a tribute to Heyward’s father, former NFL running back Craig “Ironhead” Heyward. The elder Heyward died at age 39 of brain cancer.

On Wednesday, Cam tweeted he was fined for wearing the eye strips.

NFL Media’s Rand Getlin confirmed that Heyward was indeed fined $5,000. As Deadspin pointed out, that looks to be the maximum fine for a uniform violation.

Thumbnail photo via Twitter/@CamHeyward