Sometimes the NFL does the right thing. And the league’s intention to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks so that its fans do not forget what happened is one such instance.
America’s most popular league and its 32 clubs will honor the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, through a series of commemorative efforts in communities across the globe.
“We continue to honor the memory of those we lost on September 11 and the heroes whose courage and sacrifice inspired our nation,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement on Wednesday. “Out of unimaginable tragedy emerged an extraordinary sense of unity and service that brought Americans together.
9/11 IS BECOMING HISTORY. MY GENERATION MUST MAKE SURE AMERICA NEVER FORGETS
“As the NFL family reflects on this day 25 years later, we remember those who were taken from us and support those who continue to carry the pain of that day. We also recommit ourselves to the spirit of resilience, community, and service that remains an enduring example for future generations.”
The NFL says all Week 1 games will feature tributes designed to honor the lives lost, recognize survivors, first responders and military families, and connect fans to the lasting message of remembrance and service that emerged after September 11.
NFL clubs will participate through in-stadium moments, broadcast integrations – including live national anthem coverage across 1 p.m. ET games – and community engagement efforts throughout the week.
OutKick first reported over the weekend that the league will have clubs stencil “Never Forget” in stadium end zones the first week of the season. And, yes, those will go away after Week 1 and be replaced by other messaging.
Game officials will use special 9/11 tribute-branded coins for the pregame toss. Those coins will later be auctioned on the NFL Auction platform to benefit the league’s September 11 charitable partners.
When the New York Giants host the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football, mere miles from where the Twin Towers were attacked by Muslim terrorists who flew planes into the building, players, coaches and staff from both teams will wear commemorative NYPD, FDNY and PAPD hats on the sideline in recognition of the first responders who served and died on 9/11 and in the days that followed.
Players and coaches from both teams will also wear special 9/11-branded “Never Forget” T-shirts during pregame warmups. Giants-branded versions of the caps will be available for purchase at the team store, with proceeds benefiting the respective agencies.
The NFL is even taking its 9/11 ceremonies abroad.
During the NFL’s first-ever regular season game in Australia, pregame ceremonies will honor the 25th anniversary of 9/11 with U.S. and Australian color guards and large-field flag presentations featuring U.S. Marines, Navy personnel and Australian service members.
Through its Salute to Service partnership with TAPS, the NFL Foundation will also support weeklong activities for military families of the fallen with a connection to 9/11, including a ceremony at Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance and on-field recognition before the game.
The NFL says it is doing all this to “honor those affected by the tragedy and reaffirm its commitment to preserving the lessons and legacy of that day for years to come.”
