This was not the case for Toronto Argonauts offensive guard Taylor Robertson on Sunday, one day following his team’s defeat to the Saskatchewan Roughriders at the Rogers Centre.
Instead, Robertson, along with some of his teammates, participated in the Run for the Cure, raising awareness and funds for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF).
The cause is one that is close the Brantford, Ont., native’s heart after having lost his mother to breast cancer when he was only seven years old.
Robertson began his own campaign during his 30th birthday on Sept. 8 by launching Life on the Line. He created the not-for-profit organization in order to help raise money for research and to create awareness.
The eight-year CFL veteran started his career with the Calgary Stampeders, and immediately made an impact in fighting against breast cancer. With his help, they formed a partnership with the Canadian Cancer Society.
Though he recently introduced his own campaign, it is something that he has been working on for a long time.
“I’ve always wanted to have my own initiative and it wasn’t easy because there are a lot of things people don’t realize behind the scenes,” Robertson said to the National Post. “You can’t just start up a non-profit charity out of the blue. There are expenses and paperwork so it took awhile to get this off the ground.”
Robertson has mandated Life on the Line to introduce new initiatives within the community, while participating in events in support of the CBCF.
Not only did he organize a team and take part in the run on Sunday, but the he also pledged to donate $65 (his jersey number) to the foundation for every victory the Argonauts earn this season.
Robertson thinks that it is important to raise awareness, especially for those who are affected indirectly by breast cancer.
“We’re specifically trying to reach out to the male demographic and educate them more,” Robertson said. “Not only can men get breast cancer, but they also need to be supported, because every female who passes away from or has the disease has a husband or boyfriends or father or son or uncle, so men are affected.”
Though Robertson has experienced personal tragedy, he is driven by his responsibility of helping others.
“Sometimes it feels like it will keep on going and going and people will always die from cancer, but you have to see positives and see survivors,” said Robertson. “If you can save one life and that one child gets to grow up with his or her mom then why wouldn’t you do this?
“That’s what motivates me.”