National Football League

Jets players visit Ground Zero site

Published Aug. 31, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

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The Super Bowl-hungry Jets got a little extra motivation Wednesday with a field trip to the World Trade Center site, where they saluted surprised workers toiling on the hallowed construction project.

As workers in hard hats snapped cell phone pictures and chanted "J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets," Gang Green players viewed the mammoth construction site after a luncheon at Cipriani's Wall Street to kick off the season.

"We're taking a tour and showing how much we appreciate them," coach Rex Ryan said. "We're seeing some of the work and passing along our appreciation."

The Jets open the season against the Dallas Cowboys on Sept. 11, the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, in a prime-time, nationally televised game.

A spokesman for the Port Authority, which administers the site, said the players went out to a viewing stand on the roof of the WTC PATH Station, and were given a brief overview of the site by Port Authority deputy executive director Bill Baroni.

The athletes had access only to the viewing stand that officials and visiting dignitaries have seen. They were not taken on a ground tour and were not brought to the memorial, because families of the victims will be the first to see the remembrance site, officials said.

The players were brought onto the platform in two separate groups.

Among the notable Jets on hand were owner Woody Johnson, general manager Mike Tannenbaum, center Nick Mangold and tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson.

Players said they were moved by the visit.

"Very humbling experience," tweeted defensive back Antonio Cromartie. "Just walked out to see Ground Zero. A really heart felt experience. God Bless everyone."

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