Here’s what the NFL is doing in honor of 9/11’s 20th anniversary
An American Flag is stretched across the field and held by 9/11 first responders and players from both the New York Jets and the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium on September 11, 2011 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Photo credit Elsa/Getty Images
Football is officially back Thursday, with the Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers facing the Dallas Cowboys, and as part of the moments before the game, the NFL will honor families affected by the attacks 20 years ago.
The league said it turned to the group Tuesday’s Children to look for families to honor during its opening week. The group works to ensure families who dealt with acts of mass violence have support.
Among those being honored will be the Cayne family. They currently live in Florida, and lost their father on 9/11.
Then on Sunday, a tribute narrated by actor and former FDNY firefighter Steve Buscemi will air before all 1 p.m. games. It’ll highlight America’s resiliency in the days after the attacks on America.
Music therapist Juliette Candela will then perform the National Anthem from the Sept. 11 Memorial and Museum in Manhattan.
Candela was also selected by Tuesday’s Children, as her dad lost his life in the World Trade Center on 9/11.
For the Jets and Giants’ opening games, team members will wear NYPD, FDNY and Port Authority police hats.
Players from around the league will also wear 9/11 ribbon helmet decals and coaches, media members and other NFL employees will wear 9/11 lapel pins.
Some teams are also due to participate in the 9/11 Day of Service, alongside other league members.
