Sports are the ultimate rallying cry.
Whether gathering for the greatest triumph or the darkest tragedy, sports are where every race, creed, and political affiliation can come together and share love for a united, common love.
The country felt this sentiment no more than following the events of September 11, 2001, 25 years ago today.
The titanic Twin Towers buckled, and American spirits did not. Not when American flags draped Yankee Stadium, not when every player proudly wore FDNY hats, and not when President George Bush threw a perfect strike into the country’s waiting glove.
The rest of the league followed. Mike Piazza hammered a home run in the New York Mets’ first game back at Shea Stadium, the Red Sox faithful laid down a century of rivalry to sing ‘New York, New York’ (a favor later returned with ‘Sweet Caroline’ following the Boston Marathon Bombing), and the Yankees made a remarkable run to a World Series Game 7, eventually falling to the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The NFL also had its moments, as the New York Jets beat the New England Patriots in the first post-9/11 game, also the same game where Patriots’ starter Drew Bledsoe’s injury gave way to the debut of Tom Brady.
The league considered playing games the weekend after, Sept. 16, but ultimately decided not to. Jets Hall of Famer Kevin Mawae said at the time, “I told (the 32 NFLPA reps) that under no circumstances would the New York Jets play that week, that we would take a forfeit if the NFL made us play.”
Sports can’t undo tragedies, take back lives, or fix any horrific acts. But what it can do is provide joyous distraction, relief, and a sense of togetherness when the world feels alone.
Never forget.
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