New York Giants Express Gratitude After 9/11 Display
After the gnashing and emotion of a rivalry game, one tremendous story came out of the aftermath of the New York Giants season opening victory over the Dallas Cowboys.
As anyone who watched the game this past Sunday can tell you, the Cowboys used their platform and billion dollar stadium to stage an impressive display of recognition and remembrance. The pregame salute to honor the victims of 9/11 was as moving as any the NFL has ever been a part of.
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Pregame Salute
Former President George W. Bush and his wife, Laura, were present and an active part of the pregame salute. The former President even tossed the coin before kickoff. And while the experience at the game was no doubt more emotional than watching on television, the patriotism and respect was palpable.
George Bush also gave an address commemorating the victims and the anniversary of the event. The speech that aired during the broadcast was shown to all in attendance on the massive Jumbotron hovering over the field. Whatever personal politics, ideas, or beliefs fans have, the speech and the ceremony overall was a great display to honor the United States and those devastated by the events 15 years ago.
And in an act not commonly seen, especially between two intense rivals, Giants’ vice president and executive producer Don Sperling sent an email to the Cowboys’ organization. The email expressed what most people who witnessed the ceremony already believed. That through the current political strife and the myriad problems facing our country, and honesty for most team executives, the game of football, to witness an event like the one on Sunday deserves every bit of recognition and adulation that it receives.
The event, and specifically the email, shows that despite team rivalries, societal angst, and personal beliefs, football, before anything is a game. And that its standing as this country’s obsession should at least serve a purpose aside from profit.