September 13 Gridiron History

On September 13, 2001, the NFL continued its tribute to the victims of the 9/11 attacks. A week after the tragic events, the league resumed play with a series of emotional games that honored the memory of those lost.

One of the most poignant moments of the week came during the Monday Night Football matchup between the San Francisco 49ers and the New York Jets. At MetLife Stadium, which had been used as a staging area for relief efforts, the 49ers wore special jerseys featuring the names of all 3,000 victims of the attacks. The Jets, meanwhile, donned jerseys with the names of New York City firefighters and police officers who had perished.

The game was a somber affair, but it also served as a celebration of the human spirit. Players from both teams joined together on the field to observe a moment of silence, and the crowd erupted in applause as the names of the victims were read aloud. The game was a powerful reminder of the resilience of the American people and the unifying power of sports.

Join us for more gridiron memories that occurred on September 13.