NFL fans know that the sport of American football had become a lot more about politics in recent years, some say, to the detriment of the sport. Some athletes use their publicity as a platform to express their personal message, and yet the league often suppresses such advertising—even when the cause has nothing to do with politics; even when it is something as altruistic as love of God.
A simple headband with the words “Man of God” sparked ire from the league recently. Demario Davis’s headgear was part of a charity to raise money for St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson, Mississippi, which is trying to build a new emergency unit.
While Davis’s band was only visible on the sidelines, after he had removed his helmet, the NFL fined him $7,000 for violation of its uniform policy. Instead of staying silent, Davis went on Instagram to ask his fans if they thought he should wear it again. The response was overwhelmingly positive and what started as a slap on the wrist turned into a major movement.
One of the league’s premier linebacks, Demario Davis began his career in Collins, Mississippi, where he became notorious for his powerful presence on the field, strong hits, and his faith. Davis had his fair share of bumps along the way, including being overlooked and underestimated by NFL recruiters, and a sentence in prison that made him turn to faith to change his ways.
He feels that his ultimate success with the New York Jets and now with the Saints is due to a higher power. “I’m grateful to God for the platform that I have,” Davis told WDAM in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. “I’m just trying to use that platform in a positive way—one that brings glory to the Kingdom and makes my city and my community proud.”
Since he has had a larger stage in the NFL, Davis has used it to spread his message of positivity and faith. He had custom made the “Man of God” and “Woman of God” headbands to raise money for the Mississippi hospital where his mother worked when was attending high school in the nearby town of Brandon.
In addition to sales of his headbands skyrocketing online after the news, he got some big support from some small kids. Students at St. Louis King of France Catholic School in Metairie, Louisiana, made their own headbands in solidarity with Davis, reading “Child of God.”
“It went from something that was going to cost me $7,000 now went in favor of good, $120,000 and we just took that fine that we were planning on paying to the league and donated it to the cause,” he explained. Sales of the headbands reached $60,000 and will be matched by a grant.
Davis told Fox that he was particularly touched by the response of the students at St. Louis King of France. “If you can reach the kids, you know it’s real because kids don’t think based on politics or anything like that,” said Davis, “they’re just thinking with what they feel.” Davis promised to give the kids a visit soon to thank them for their support.
After an appeal by Davis’s agent, the NFL even decided to drop the original fine. Davis was naturally very enthusiastic about the outcome. As he wrote on his Instagram post announcing the successful appeal, “We on a mission over here obstacles are meant to be conquered!! I’m truly blessed as anybody.” While Davis used the uproar from religiously minded fans to help his hospital campaign, he says he does not have any resentment toward the league.
In the meantime, though, Davis will be back on the field as tough as ever, and his many fans will be in the stands with their headbands.
