James Wilder Jr. isn't being pushed to the side when it comes to the fight against breast cancer. Wilder Jr. plans to recruit as many stars from both the National Football League and Canadian Football League to do their part to raise money to find a cure.
Led by Wilder, running backs from both leagues have pledged to donate $1 for every yard and $100 for each touchdown they score during the month of October. Wilder Jr. calls his pledge, "#runWILDERforacure."
Four days after he took to Twitter to challenge his peers, Wilder announced those that have joined him on the month-long journey.
Wilder named them off in a role call style format on his social media account. Los Angeles Rams' Todd Gurley, Atlanta Falcons' Devonta Freeman, Los Angeles Chargers' Melvin Gordon represent the majority of NFL contingent while the B.C. Lions' Chris Rainey, Tiger-Cats' CJ Gable and Wilder's teammate Martese Jackson are the notable CFL representatives. In total there are roughly 15 players taking part.
The guys that's gonna #runWILDERforacure this month are guys that puts up big numbers 9 of the 15 RBs scored last week alone👀🎀🙏🏾
— James Wilder Jr (@IAm_Wilder32) October 5, 2017
October signifies 'Breast Cancer Awareness' month. It is a time where, in both leagues, everything bears pink. From towels to clothing to gloves, everybody is bringing awareness towars breast cancer. Wilder doesnt see anything wrong with that, but he'd rather personally make an impact.
“Wearing pink brings awareness, but awareness doesn’t do anything if you don’t take action," Wilder told CFL.ca. "So I wanted to find a way to take action with people in this league and not just this league, the NFL as well.”
Former CFL star Davis Sanchez is lending a hand, as well.
Nice @IAm_Wilder32 In honour of my late Mother who passed from Cancer in ’14 I will donate 100$ for every Argo INT the rest of the season.
— SanchezDavis2 (@DavisSanchez) October 4, 2017
The latest move continues to show how Wilder has taken the CFL community by storm. Wilder has served as a key asset for the Argos, too. Until September, Wilder has been quiet on the Argonauts sideline. When he received a chance at the starting role on Sept. 16, the 25-year-old made the most of the opportunity. Wilder ran for 340 yards and two touchdowns in his last three games.
In Wilder's eyes, that would have raised $540 for the fight against breast cancer.