Although New York Giants’ defensive tackle Marvin Austin was forced to end his very first NFL season early due to injury, he is contributing to the NFL by raising breast cancer awareness.

During the month of October, the NFL is leading a breast cancer awareness campaign with players, coaches and referees wearing pink ribbons to support the cause. Although Austin could not join his team on the field after tearing his pectoral muscle during preseason, he has made sure to contribute to the cause.

Austin teamed up with TR Luxury Group in New York City to host a Monday night football experience that benefited The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

The rookie DT told The Christian Post that it is important for football fans to focus on other important issues in life.

“Given my position it’s important to let people know that there’s a lot of things out here other than just sports,” Austin said. “People are caught up in sports and entertainment when there’s a lot of real issues going on out here.”

Austin said it was important for him to support the breast cancer battle in his time off of the field.

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“I believe strongly in raising awareness to battle the breast cancer epidemic facing our women today,” Austin told CP.

“I decided to work with TR Luxury Group and Brewer Sports International on this event because their combined experience in the sports world extends beyond the field or court in NYC and reaches across the nation,” he added.

Chris Quincy, managing partner at sports marketing and athlete management firm TR Luxury Group, said his company joined the NFL’s efforts during breast cancer awareness month after seeing the disease impact so many people.

“Breast cancer has effected everyone in some way shape or form, including members of our team personally,” Quincy told CP. “We chose breast cancer awareness month to directly reflect and support the NFL's efforts to help raise awareness about breast cancer research throughout the month of October.”

Austin said he had high hopes for the event, which he was hosting.

“I hope to (and I know I will) see guests at the Monday Night Football Experience series increase their knowledge about breast cancer facts as they network, mix, mingle and donate funds for a great cause,” Austin said. “We're asking guests to not only open their wallets but to also open their hearts and minds and continue the fight against breast cancer.”

Aside from feeling positive about raising breast cancer awareness, Austin told CP that he is healing well.

“I’m on IR so I can’t perform, but I have rehabbing and I’m feeling a lot better,” Austin said. “My arm feels awesome I can’t wait to get back out there.

Although he is not on the field with his team, Austin said he is happy for his team.

“I’m glad to see my team out there doing their thing,” he stated.