The NFL has reduced the fines imposed on Steelers defensive end Cam Heyward for violating the league's uniform policy by writing "Iron Head" on his eye black as a tribute to his late father.
Heyward said he had a conference call with the league Tuesday that "was a respectful exchange."
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"I will continue to wear plain eye black and that gesture will always be in memory of my dad," said Heyward. He added it was not an attempt to become a distraction or to garner unwanted attention toward him or his father, Craig "Ironhead" Heyward, who died of cancer in 2006.
Here's an update on my EyeBlack pic.twitter.com/miFUzcO8Cj
— Cam Heyward (@CamHeyward) October 21, 2015The first offense, which occurred during Week 5 against the Chargers, cost Heyward $5,787. The second offense, against the Cardinals in Week 6, would have been worth $11,576. The NFL reduced the second fine to an undisclosed amount.
According to the NFL, having the words written on eye black is a violation of the organization's uniform policy.
Heyward has started a charitable partnership with EyeBlack.com, where people can buy "Iron Head" eye black marks. The proceeds will go to the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh and the Southeastern Brain Tumor Foundation.