NFL won't let Brandon Marshall wear green shoes for Mental Health Awareness Week

The NFL won't let the Bears wideout wear green shoes to promote awareness for mental illness, at least not if he wants to play.

By Louis Bien@louisbien Oct 9, 2013, 4:29pm EDT

The NFL has come down on Brandon Marshall and his plan to wear green shoes when the Chicago Bears play the New York Giants on Thursday night. Marshall planned to wear the shoes to bring attention to Mental Health Awareness Week, but the league informed Marshall that he would not be allowed on the field.

[UPDATE: According to Adam Hoge of CBS Chicago, a league source denies that the NFL barred Marshall from playing in green shoes, and says that the wide receiver will only be subject to a fine ... which is what he wanted in the first place.]

More: Bears blog Windy City Gridiron

Players have been wearing pink cleats since Breast Cancer Awareness Month began at the start of October. Marshall was willing to accept the fine that comes with wearing non-approved apparel, and planned on donating the money to charity. Instead, he will have to comply with dress code if he wants to play.

Mental Health Awareness Week began last Sunday, and runs through Saturday. The cause is dear to Marshall, who suffers from borderline personality disorder and has been a public advocate for those who suffer from mental illness since opening up about his own struggles.

Marshall has struggled to produce in recent weeks, and has been outspoken about his frustration with his lack of targets. He has ceded snaps to Alshon Jeffery, who had 10 receptions for 218 yards and a touchdown last week.