Keep On Rollin'

A large American flag was unveiled at the Jets-Cowboys game on Sunday night. The Jets
won a thrilling 27-24 game on the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

Ten years ago,  the world was a much different place. From Barry Bonds to the NFL season, fans across the nation were in sports heaven.

Then came that fateful Tuesday morning that made us realize there are more important things than sports.

Our nation froze in terror as three planes hit the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. A fourth plane was presumed to be headed to Washington, as well, had it not been for four former athletes.

After September 11th, no longer did people cheer for their individual teams. Instead they began cheering for one team – America.

Sports is such a huge part of our way of life. Families have been divided over rivalries. Relationships have ended over allegiances. But when the story about what Jeremy Glick, Todd Beamer, Mark Bingham and Tom Burnett emerged, one couldn't help but feel inspired. The phrase "Let's roll" no longer is used in casual conversation – now only reserved for rare and special occasions.

We all know what kind of person it takes to be an athlete at any level. That competitive drive along with years of muscle tuning turned these average Joes into national heroes. When the games resumed, teams from across the country made special signs and donned patches as a salute to the four.

It has been 10 years since the tragic events of 9/11. We've seen Pat Tillman – a former Arizona State and Arizona Cardinals star – make the ultimate sacrifice while fighting the war on terror. We've heard stories of former athletes like Nebraska softball player Julie Geis, who lost her life in the Twin Towers.

Times have changed, but the world has finally returned to a form that resembles life before the attacks. But on Sunday, as NFL fans relaxed and watched their favorite teams, we all were reminded of the events that shattered lives and rocked our world. From Lance Briggs wearing customized cleats and gloves – a gesture he deemed as "the best fine he would ever have to pay" – to giant flags that covered the entire football field, Sunday was a day of remembrance – a day where we were all Americans once again.

So to the thousands that lost their lives in the terror attacks and to the hundreds of thousands more who made the ultimate sacrifice while fighting terror overseas, my fellow Americans and I would like to give a big, heartfelt thank you. Your sacrifice has helped us recover, and you will not be forgotten any time soon.