Devon Still

Devon Joshua Still is an American former professional football player who played as a defensive end and defensive tackle in the National Football League. Born in Camden, New Jersey, he rose to prominence as a consensus All-American at Penn State University before being selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft. While his athletic career included stints with the Texans and Jets, his legacy extends far beyond the gridiron.

Today, Still serves as a prominent motivational speaker, author, and philanthropist. He channels his personal experiences into advocacy work through The Devon & Leah Still Foundation, focusing on pediatric cancer awareness and blood clot research. His transition from athlete to activist has redefined how sports figures engage with social causes, earning him respect across the league and beyond. [edit]

Still was born on July 11, 1989, in Camden, New Jersey, a city known for its rich history and resilient community. He attended Howard Technology High School, where he quickly established himself as a standout athlete. Serving as team captain under Coach Dan Ritter, Still demonstrated leadership early on. During his senior year, he earned all-state honors and was ranked as the number 12 defensive tackle recruit in the nation, setting the stage for a collegiate career that would captivate fans.

His recruitment to Penn State University marked a pivotal shift in his trajectory. The Nittany Lions provided a platform for Still to refine his skills against elite competition. He became a dominant force on the defensive line, culminating in his 2011 season where he earned consensus All-American honors and won the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year award. Beyond football, Still pursued academic excellence, graduating with a degree in psychology. This education would later prove instrumental in helping him navigate the emotional complexities of his family's health crisis and his subsequent career in public speaking. [edit]

The 2012 NFL Draft saw the Cincinnati Bengals select Still with the 53rd overall pick in the second round. He spent the majority of his professional tenure with the Bengals, serving as a key rotational defensive lineman. In 2014, he signed with the Houston Texans but was waived shortly after due to injury concerns related to blood clots. He later joined the New York Jets, continuing his role as a defensive tackle.

A defining moment occurred in late 2014 when his daughter, Leah, was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma. Still famously wore a jersey with "Leah" on the back during games, transforming his image from a rotational player to a national symbol of parental love. This gesture received widespread attention, including a notable tribute from New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton, who purchased 100 of Still's jerseys to support the family. Despite being released by the Bengals in September 2015, an NFL insurance policy covered him for five years due to his medical condition. He eventually retired from the league to prioritize his daughter's care, marking the beginning of his new chapter as an advocate and speaker. [edit]

Devon Still projects an image of humility, strength, and unwavering devotion to family. Media portrayals consistently highlight his transition from athlete to activist, focusing on his psychological background and his role as a speaker. His social media voice is characterized by vulnerability, faith, and a focus on fatherhood. He frequently tags his wife and children in posts, reinforcing the "Family First" narrative that defines his public persona. Fans refer to him as a "Hero Dad" or "The Warrior Dad," reflecting the deep admiration they hold for his resilience. [edit]

As of November 2026, iFANN has not yet collected fame data for this person. He does not appear on the September 2026 iFAMOUS Rankings flagship list. While there is no official fan club name, Still is revered within the "NFL Family" and the pediatric cancer community. His fanbase is deeply engaged in his advocacy, often participating in charity drives in his name. The public image of Devon Still is one of humility, strength, and unwavering devotion to family. Media portrayals consistently highlight his transition from athlete to activist, focusing on his psychological background and his role as a speaker. [edit]

Still holds a degree in psychology from Penn State, which he utilized to help process his family's trauma and later apply to his coaching and speaking roles. He was a team captain at Howard Technology High School, showing leadership qualities long before college. His story inspired the creation of the "Leah's Legacy" campaign, which funds research into Ewing sarcoma. Despite being waived by the Bengals, he was immediately covered by the NFL's insurance policy, a rare occurrence that allowed him financial stability during his recovery period. The custom jersey he wore with "Leah" on the back sparked a movement where fans and other players wore similar jerseys to show support. [edit]

Devon Still is married to Leah Still, whom he met while attending Penn State University. They wed in 2011, prior to the birth of their first child. Their relationship has been defined by their shared journey through adversity. Leah, who is also a psychology professional trained at the University of Pennsylvania, has been instrumental in managing their foundation and supporting Devon's speaking engagements. Together they have three children: Leah, born in 2012; Noah, born in 2014; and a third child born around 2016 or 2017. The couple continues to co-lead their charitable efforts and public appearances together, often emphasizing their commitment to family in their social media presence. [edit]

Penn State University, Cincinnati Bengals, Houston Texans, New York Jets, The Devon & Leah Still Foundation. [edit]

Devon Still met his wife, Leah, while attending Penn State University. The couple married in 2011, just before the birth of their first child. Their relationship has been defined by their shared journey through adversity, particularly following their daughter Leah's diagnosis with Ewing sarcoma in 2014. This challenge brought them closer and shifted their focus toward family and advocacy. Leah, who holds a degree in psychology from the University of Pennsylvania, plays a vital role in managing their foundation and supporting Devon's public speaking career.

Together, they have three children: Leah, Noah, and a younger sibling born around 2016 or 2017. The couple remains happily married as of 2026, with no public reports of separation or divorce. They are often referred to as "Girl Dad" and "Husband" on social media, emphasizing their commitment to family. Their partnership has become a cornerstone of their public identity, inspiring countless others facing similar challenges. [edit]

iFANN currently estimates Devon Still's net worth at approximately $6 million. This figure reflects his earnings from a multi-year NFL career, lucrative speaking engagements, book sales, and the growing influence of his charitable foundation. His time in the league, spanning from 2012 to 2015, generated between $5 million and $7 million in total salary. Since retiring, Still has built a robust income stream through corporate and university speaking tours, where he commands fees ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 per event.

Revenue from his memoirs and children's books related to his family's journey adds to his portfolio. While the Devon & Leah Still Foundation operates as a non-profit, its success in fundraising and events has bolstered his brand value and visibility. Still also holds real estate assets in the Philadelphia and Pennsylvania areas, contributing to his overall financial stability. As of 2026, his diverse revenue streams continue to grow as he remains a sought-after voice in the realms of resilience and family advocacy. [edit]

While Devon Still did not win major individual NFL awards like Pro Bowl selections or All-Pro honors during his playing career, he received significant recognition for his humanitarian impact and character. He was awarded the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year in 2011 and named a Consensus All-American that same year. His humanitarian efforts have been honored by the NFL, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and various cancer research organizations for his advocacy work and the awareness raised regarding pediatric cancer. [edit]