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NFL and 49ers Think Pink

If you see members of the 49ers and Rams wearing pink cleats, gloves, sweat bands or hats this Sunday, don’t be alarmed.

It’s planned.

This week, the NFL will do its part in celebrating breast cancer awareness month by allowing selected players to wear pink cleats and gloves. Sweatbands and hats will be available to all coaches and players on the sidelines.

“Without a doubt this is a great idea,” linebacker Jeff Ulbrich said on Friday. “There are so many people who are affected by breast cancer in general. I think it’s really cool that the NFL is doing something like this because of the exposure that the league gets on a weekly basis.”

The chance to spread awareness is even more special to Ulbrich, as his mother is a breast cancer survivor.

“She’s in the process of recovering, but she’s feeling a lot better,” he said. “I’m honored to help spread awareness and honor her courage.”

Ulbrich said he wasn’t chosen as one of the 49ers players to wear the pink cleats, but he understands why.

“I don’t know who they selected on our team or the other team, but hopefully they chose guys who will have the ball in their hands and will get a lot of exposure on TV so we can get the message out there.”

Other players like tackle Joe Staley won’t be able to wear the pink equipment because of the position he plays.

“I’d love to wear the pink shoes and gloves, but my hands and feet are taped up so you wouldn’t be able to see them,” Staley said. “The pink equipment should be for the guys who get the most visibility.”

A group of players who are not afraid of grabbing the spotlight are the 49ers defensive backs. Come Sunday, the corners and safeties will likely be wearing some brighter than normal accessories.

“For us, we’re real flamboyant guys and we like to wear all types of bright colors,” cornerback Tarell Brown said. “If you have confidence in yourself you can wear pink!”

But joking aside, Brown understands the importance of this Sunday and appreciates the NFL for doing their part in raising awareness to such an important cause.

“It’s a positive thing to raise awareness and give back to the community. Anytime you have the opportunity to give back you have to do it. What the league is doing is a huge positive. They’re doing a great job with helping out in the community and I think a lot of teams are excited about this Sunday.

“I think if we all had the opportunity to do wear the pink cleats – I think we all would. I definitely would try to wear a nice pair of black and pink cleats!”