In my last blog I focused on how athletes get themselves in trouble on social media, something that seems to happen daily at this point. This time around I want to talk about a movement in the NFL, #LeahStrong. Before the season even began a defensive player on the Cincinnati Bengals and former Penn State alumni named Devon Still had his daughter diagnosed with cancer. Already fighting for a roster spot, this pushed Still harder than he had ever pushed before as he realized that without making the team he would not be able to afford his daughters medical care. Then the Bengals did something amazing; they gave him a roster spot and put his jersey as the first item on the teams store. Since this the amount of support Still and his family have received has been unbelievable, with over 15,000 Still jerseys sold to date. What really started the movement however was how quickly the story spread over social media. Within hours of the Bengals signing Still to the practice squad #LeahStrong was trending on Twitter and Facebook. Social media allowed the story of Leah Still, a brave four year old battling cancer, to spread like wildfire. At last weeks Bengals game, she was given a standing ovation by the stadium.

Social media has the power to destroy careers, get athletes fined or suspended, and to cause ridicule, but it also has a power to help people who need helping. Unlike the other entries on this blog, the fact that it is sports related has little to no affect on the message. Social Media helped a family stay together and stay strong during their time of need.