Teams Pay Tribute to Victims of 9/11

New York Giant Coach Tom Coughlin wore an FDNY hat pulled low on his head, a tribute to the victims of 9/11.

The New York fire department cap replaced his usual Giant cap when his team kicked off the season against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday in a unique day on which teams and fans paid tribute to the victims of the terrorist attacks four years ago.

In New York, the tributes had special meaning. The World Trade Center stood less than 10 miles from Giants Stadium, and smoke from the wreckage was visible for days from the stadium and the team’s nearby practice facility. The parking lot at Giants Stadium also was used as a staging area for fire, police and emergency service vehicles heading into New York.

Coughlin addressed 9/11 with his team all week, telling his players there was no way they could lose the game on such a meaningful day. After trailing early, the Giants came back to win, 42-19.

“A lot of that had to do with his belief that this organization represents this city,” running back Tiki Barber said. “We played with the kind of pride New Yorkers have.”

Members of the New York fire department, police department, Port Authority, U.S. military, court officers and family members who lost loved ones in the attacks were given a standing ovation when they made their way onto the field before the game to help unfurl a flag for the national anthem.

“It’s great that Sept. 11 hopefully can get back to a day of mourning, but also a day of celebrating life,” said Mark Heintz, a member of the FDNY who was on the field. “Because the guys didn’t lose their lives, they gave their lives.”

About 40 representatives from the families of Flight 93, which crashed in a Pennsylvania field, took part in a halftime ceremony during the Titan-Steeler game in Pittsburgh.

In San Diego, Charger running back LaDainian Tomlinson ran onto the field carrying an American flag during player introductions before the game against the Cowboys. After the national anthem, a bald eagle flew down onto the field.

At the Bills-Texans game in Orchard Park, N.Y., 11 representatives from several branches of the United States Armed Forces and local EMT, fire and police departments were presented with a commemorative game ball by each one of the Bills’ defensive starters when they were announced during pregame introductions.

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Giant punter Jeff Feagles set an NFL record for most career punts, against the Arizona Cardinals.

The 18-year veteran’s fourth punt of the game, with 3:00 left in the third quarter, gave him 1,368 for his career, one more than Sean Landeta.

Feagles began the season having played in 262 consecutive games, 10 behind the NFL record set by Minnesota Viking defensive lineman Jim Marshall from 1960 to 1979.

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Sunday’s key injuries:

At Detroit, Green Bay receiver Javon Walker injured his right knee in the third quarter and did not return. “It was his ACL,” Packer Coach Mike Sherman said after the Lions won, 17-3.

Champ Bailey, Denver’s Pro Bowl defensive back, separated his left shoulder on the first play of the second half against Miami.

Bronco running back Mike Anderson went to the locker room early in the first quarter with damaged ribs, then returned to the bench.

The Kansas City Chiefs had four starters go down in a rout of the Jets. Cornerback Patrick Surtain suffered a concussion when he was tackled while returning an interception. Fullback Tony Richardson sprained a knee, defensive tackle Ryan Sims hurt his foot and 10-time Pro Bowl tackle William Roaf injured his hamstring.

Carolina lost one of its top defenders in Kris Jenkins, who was sprained his right knee against New Orleans.

Washington quarterback Patrick Ramsey left the game against the Bears in the second quarter because of a sprained neck.

San Francisco receiver Johnnie Morton was sidelined against St. Louis late in the first half because of a concussion.