NFL player pays for 53 mammograms to honour mother who died from breast cancer

NFL player DeAngelo Williams has announced his breast cancer charity will cover the cost of mammogram testing for 53 women.

DeAngelo Williams’ mother, Sandra Hill, died from breast cancer two years ago aged 53, US Today reported.

The Pittsburgh Steelers running back created the The DeAngelo Williams Foundation to honour her memory.

Williams announced earlier this month his foundation would pay for 53 women to receive a mammogram test at hospitals in Charlotte, North Carolina and Pittsburgh.

He has also pledged to wear pink accessories at all football matches throughout the season to show his support for breast cancer, despite official NFL policy ruling against the practice.

"There is a long-standing policy for all players regarding uniforms that is league-wide for all 32 teams,” NFL vice president Troy Vincent said in a statement.

“The league works with the clubs and players to raise awareness collectively for breast cancer during the month of October.”