National Football League

Patriots to mark Sept. 11 with pregame ceremonies

Published Aug. 31, 2011 9:38 p.m. ET

foxsports

The New England Patriots will recognize the 10th anniversary of the attack on the World Trade Center before Thursday night's exhibition game against the New York Giants.

It's the Patriots last game before they open the season on Sept. 12 at the Miami Dolphins.

Former Patriots guard Joe Andruzzi, his three firefighter brothers and his father, a former police officer in New York City, will serve as honorary game captains and participate in the coin toss Thursday night. Andruzzi's brother, Jimmy, was in Tower 1 when Tower 2 fell and he and his unit were ordered out.

Just 12 days later, the four brothers and their father were recognized in Foxborough at a game against the New York Jets. The Patriots, with Joe Andruzzi on the team, won the Super Bowl that season.