Seth Udinski, FISM News
The 2021 NFL Season kicked off this past weekend, with a flurry of exciting matchups. Even more important than the activity on the field, the NFL created a tribute to remember the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
The tribute was beautiful at times and controversial at others. Narrated by Steve Buscemi, the tribute video showed images of the attacks and the 9/11 Memorial, where the twin towers once stood. The video encouraged Americans to come together as we did on September 12, 2001. For the most part, the tribute tactfully honored the legacy of the victims and the patriotic spirit shown across the nation in the aftermath of the attack.
The video also included several somewhat controversial, albeit brief, references to current social issues in America, highlighting racial tension and the COVID-19 pandemic. While some saw this as appropriate and timely, others felt a tribute video about 9/11 was no place for highlighting current political issues that have dominated news headlines. Many felt that this day, now called “Patriot Day,” should simply be about remembering the victims and coming together despite these problems, celebrating American patriotism and resilience as we did in the days following the attacks.
The highlight of the tribute video was a heartfelt, haunting rendition of the Star Spangled Banner, sung by 26-year-old Juliette Candela on the grounds of the 9/11 Memorial in New York. Candela’s father John worked on the 104th floor of the World Trade Center and was killed in the September 11 attacks. Candela’s rendition of the national anthem served as the anthem for each game starting at 1:00 EST on Sunday.
The tragic events of September 11th, 2001 devastated our country 20 years ago.
We remember those we lost and how we came together the day after the attacks, paving the way for healing and growth, followed by a special performance of our country’s National Anthem. pic.twitter.com/ZFqbmLIppG
— NFL (@NFL) September 12, 2021
On the field, opening weekend had its share of thrilling finishes. The San Francisco 49ers nearly blew a 28-point lead to the Detroit Lions before finally holding on for a road win, 41-33. The Miami Dolphins edged out their division rivals, the New England Patriots, 17-16. Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Bengals and Minnesota Vikings played all four quarters and all of overtime before the Bengals finally kicked a game-winning field goal to beat Minnesota, 27-24. One of the top games of the late window came as the defending AFC Champion Kansas City Chiefs edged out the Cleveland Browns, 33-29.
The New Orleans Saints, forced to play their home opener in Jacksonville due to Hurricane Ida’s damage to New Orleans, pounded Aaron Rodgers and the Green bay Packers, 38-3. Many sportswriters are wondering how Rodgers will fare in a Packers uniform after a stormy offseason where he clearly expressed a desire to leave. In other lopsided games, the Arizona Cardinals crushed the Tennessee Titans 38-13, and the upstart Philadelphia Eagles vanquished the Atlanta Falcons, 32-6.