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October is breast cnacer awareness month around the United States, and is fully embraced by the National Football League. Players, coaches, and referees wear pink shoes, pink wrist bands, pink hates, and use pink whistles in support of the cause. However, one 11-year old fan pointed out there was one thing that did not change in the game.
The referees still use yellow flags for penalties.
Dante Cano, a fifth grader from Marlboro, New Jersey, wrote a letter to NFL Comissioner Roger Goodell asking the league to use his idea of pink penalty flags. The NFL listened and announced today that they will use the pink flags in the Miami Dolphins at New York Jets contest this Sunday.
"Dante had a great idea and I am looking forward to meeting with him on Sunday to put it into action," said Commissioner Goodell. "Sometimes the simplest ideas can be the best. I applaud Dante for sending in his recommendation."
The league has invited Dante and his family to MetLife Stadium to present the pink flags to the referees before the game.
Daunte's letter read, "My name is Dante Cano. I am 11 years old and I am from Marlboro, New Jersey. I wanted to know if you could use my idea of pink penalty flags in October for breast cancer awareness. Please write back." The league provided the letter, pictured above, with their announcement.
This is the fourth straight year the league has turned pink throughout their October games, an initiative known as A Crucial Catch, but will mark the first time the pink flags will be used.