Who knew a $7,000 fine could be a good thing?

Certainly not Demario Davis of the New Orleans Saints, who was required to pay $7,017 after wearing a 'Man of God' headband in an NFL game last month. The publicity from that fine, however, has led to an opportunity Davis never dreamed of.

"That just shows you the power of God," says Davis. "I would have never thought this whole movement would have happened and it's not just here in New Orleans, it's been national."

Davis is giving all credit back to God after his headband became a national symbol, raising funds for a Mississippi hospital, CBN News reports. The linebacker wore the gold headband, featuring the message "Man of God" in black letters during a September game against the Seattle Seahawks.

In the NFL, game-day attire is enforced by the league. According to their dress code, players are not allowed to wear bandannas or other unapproved headwear while competing and "personal messages" of any kind are also prohibited unless approved by the league office before game day.

Feeling conflicted after the incident, the athlete was unsure how to handle the situation.

"I was in a conflict, this is strongly what I believe and I can't do it. And because it says what it says I really don't want to take it off," Davis says.

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I've been thinking a lot about the #ManOfGod headbands and how they've impacted so many and I've officially decided to make this year about giving back in all the ways that I can. All across the country, whether through bailouts, my foundation, charity, or just public awareness of certain issues, I wanna be the change I want to see. Kids, adults, everyone can get it!! I've learned so much and been given so much that I feel like it's my duty to share. I hope ya'll are ready because I'm going to need your help too!! Spread the word it’s all hands on deck over here!

A post shared by Demario Davis #56 (@d56davis) on

Davis took to social media following the incident to ask followers if he should continue to wear the headband despite its consequences. He also began selling replicas of the headband with proceeds going towards the expansion of the emergency room at St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson, Mississippi.

"The first game, $30,000 was raised off of $25 headband," Davis shared. "Now it's over $60K has been raised and then there's a matching grant that the hospital has for every dollar that's raised already up to the next million so now it's up to $120K."

More people are still joining Davis' cause. At St. Louise King of France Catholic School in Louisiana, students and teachers made their own versions of the headbands, including some with the slogan "Woman of God" and "Child of God."

Davis called the situation "unbelievable." He added, "If you're reaching the kids then you know it's real."

In a post to social media, St. Dominic Hospital expressed their thanks to Davis.

"We are so very grateful!" the post reads.