NFL fines Cam Heyward for eye-black message regarding father's cancer battle

(WTXF) - Cam Heyward, defensive end for the Pittsburgh Steelers, says the NFL fined him for wearing eye-black that read "Iron Head" in honor of his father's battle against cancer.

According to Sports Illustrated, Hayward's father, Craig "Ironhead" Heyward, was diagnosed with malignant bone cancer in November 1998. After 40 rounds of radiation treatment, he was pronounced cancer--ree.

In 2005, a tumor recurred and "Ironhead" died on May 27, 2006 at the age of 39. He played in the NFL from 1988 to 1998.

According to NFL's uniform policy, players can use eye-black to reduce glare from sunlight or bright stadium lights, but there is a $5,787 fine for "personal messages" for first offenders.

Heyward's fine amount has not been disclosed.