National Football League

NFL: Remembering 9/11 after 15 Years with Week 1 as a Backdrop

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

share

facebookxredditlink

foxsports

The vast majority of NFL Week 1 games kick off on Sunday, September 11, which happens to be the 15th anniversary of that terrible day back in 2001. Niner Noise takes a moment to remember this tragedy and to shed light on the current context.

You weren’t watching NFL games on Tuesday, September 11, 2001.

49ers

Niner Noise 2wCarlos Hyde: Identifying 49ers RB's Scheme Fit in 2016

More headlines around FanSided:

2w - 49ers QB Competition: Why Colin Kaepernick Emerges as Regular-Season Victor2w - 49ers vs. Broncos: Preseason Week 2 Grades and Analysis for SF2w - Chip Kelly Playbook 101: Shotgun Formation, the Inside Zone and Outside-Zone Run2w - Niner Noise's Peter Panacy to Talk 49ers Preseason Football on San Francisco's 95.7 The Game2w - 2017 NFL Mock Draft: Prior Trades Come Up BigMore News at Niner Noise

But I guarantee you remember exactly where you were and what you were doing when you found out the United States was under attack.

I happened to be at the gym for an early morning workout and shower. At first, I thought what everyone else did — some pilot made a major, deadly mistake and crashed into the World Trade Center. It was only after my workout I learned the second plane hit.

The nation, and the world, entered a new and turbulent era.

It’s been 15 years since the 9/11 tragedy. But, in some odd way, sports can bring a country together even in times of distress and tragedy.

Such was the case in 2001. Who could forget that memorable World Series between the New York Yankees and Arizona Diamondbacks? And who didn’t get choked up when the national anthem was played at football stadiums across the country shortly after that dreadful day?

The national anthem is a hot topic now. And for very different reasons than what took place 15 years ago.

We are, of course, speaking of San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick and his protest against racial injustice.

Whether or not you agree with Kaepernick’s actions is one thing. You shouldn’t disagree with the reason though.

And while Kaepernick isn’t protesting the military, his views are certainly seen as a slight to those in uniform.

More from Niner Noise

But one thing should be made clear — the country came together after that tragedy. And each American understood what made this nation so great.

We live in a place where voices and opinions can be heard. This isn’t the case in a lot of places across the globe.

So even if you don’t agree with the message Kap sent, and that’s your right to do so, at least take a moment during this NFL opening weekend to be thankful we enjoy the freedoms we so often take for granted.

And never forget that fateful day back in September 2001.

All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of ESPN.com, Pro-Football-Reference.com and Sports-Reference.com unless otherwise indicated.

This article originally appeared on

share

Get more from National Football League Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic

National Football League