FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Defensive lineman Devon Still, whose daughter, Leah, captured the hearts of millions during a cancer fight she eventually won, is restarting his football career with the New York Jets.
Still, 28, who spent most of last season on the Houston Texans' injured-reserve list, signed a contract Friday with the Jets. He worked out for them last week and he got a callback when they were hit with a couple of training camp injuries.
"All of my focus is on football right now," said Still, who put his career on hold when his daughter was diagnosed with pediatric cancer in 2014.
"As a father, I had to dedicate my life to my daughter. When you have kids, their dreams overtake your own dreams. I decided to put my dreams to play football on the back burner, so my daughter could still be here, living. Now that she's two years in remission, I'm putting my focus back to football."
Still, speaking to reporters after his first practice, said he still hadn't informed Leah, 7, of his deal with the Jets. She's at home in Houston, attending a cheerleading camp.
"She's going to be pretty excited," said Still, adding that Leah and his wife, Asha, will move to New Jersey.
A former second-round pick of the Cincinnati Bengals, Still announced in 2014 that his daughter had been diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma, a rare form of cancer. He skipped team activities during the 2014 offseason as he focused on his daughter's illness and recovery.
In March 2015, Leah underwent surgery to remove the tumor, announcing eight months later that she was in remission. Father and daughter were honored at the 2015 ESPYS, where they received the Jimmy V Perseverance Award for their courage and determination.
"I don't think she really understands the impact she's made on this world," Still said. "Hopefully, when she gets older, the way the internet is set up, she'll be able to go back and look at the impact she had and what she was able to do for the cancer community."
Still, waived by the Bengals in 2015, started last season with the Texans, but he played only 25 snaps and underwent season-ending foot surgery.
"He's played in the league and he understands the system a little bit," Jets coach Todd Bowles said. "We needed somebody to come in and compete right away."
The Jets also signed defensive lineman Jeremy Faulk and claimed wide receiver Bruce Ellington on waivers from the San Francisco 49ers. They waived tight end Brian Parker (injured) and defensive lineman Brandin Bryant (injured) and placed cornerback Corey White on injured reserve.