On a day filled with numerous ceremonies commemorating the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the NFL picked the right person to narrate its own tribute to the fallen during the New York Jets/Dallas Cowboys game on Sunday night.
Oscar-winning actor, and quintessential New Yorker, Robert DeNiro was the best choice to narrate the succinct and touching tribute.
In what could have been overblown and cheesy moment, the nationally-televised event at MetLife Stadium came off as a simple salute to the military, the first responders and the lives lost ten years ago.
DeNiro's thick New York accent was the perfect voice for all the people who remember that day. If you weren't riveted by the actor's serious tone, then the U.S. Marine playing a lonely Taps or the National Anthem performed by Lady Antebellum had to make you reflect back on a day that can sometimes be overlooked.
The star of so many tough guy films lives only blocks away from Ground Zero and was one of the city's biggest boosters after the attacks.
His Tribeca Film festival was born from the death of lower Manhattan and was just one of many projects which helped the area pick up the pieces and rebuild.
DeNiro, who has portrayed so many memorable characters in New York-themed movies from "Mean Streets," "Taxi Driver" and "Goodfellas," to the greatest boxing film ever produced "Raging Bull," pulled off the narration with flying red, white and blue colors.
On a day filled with what could be perceived as too many tributes, this was the one the whole nation saw and in a place that, nine years and 364 days before, fans could see the two towers stand sentry over the Hudson River then, a day later, be brought to their knees.
When DeNiro said, "On behalf of the NFL and grateful nation, we salute you," he was talkin' to me and every other American.
Now we can go back to our lives--somewhat.
As for DeNiro, all is now forgiven for "The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle."
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Showing posts with label 9/11 Tribute. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 9/11 Tribute. Show all posts
Monday, September 12, 2011
Friday, September 9, 2011
NFL Will Not Fine Players For Wearing 9/11 Tribute Gear On Anniversary
The NFL players who wear special cleats and gloves to honor the victims of the 9/11 attacks this weekend will not have to shell out a fine for breaking uniform rules according to Yahoo! Sports.
Players from Redskins tight-end Chris Cooley to Titans quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, who had tweeted photos of the colorful Reebok gear, expected to pay fines for wearing the special cleated shoes and gloves in Sunday's games.
On Friday afternoon, NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said that the players would not be fined for wearing the tribute gear, despite breaking the league's strict uniform policy.
"We have extensive plans for Sunday to respectfully recognize the significance of the day," Aiello said.
All NFL players, coaches and sideline crews will be wearing special 9/11tribute ribbons on their apparel during the opening Sunday of the season.
The colorful equipment was spotted inside the New York Jets locker room this week and center Nick Mangold and tight end Dustin Keller said they plan to wear the cleats and gloves.
Chicago Bears linebacker Lance Briggs posted on his Twitter account about the possibility of having a fine levied against him for donning the red, white and blue gear.
"So once the breast cancer game is played, players can wear pink gloves and shoes as much as they like," Briggs tweeted. "For the anniversary of 9/11 game, why is it if I wear shoes and gloves that are the colors of our nation's flag...I will be fined by the league."
"Reebok did a great job on these gloves and shoes...looks like I'm getting fined this week. Lol!"
All the players who chose to wear the gear in honor of the day won't have to worry about getting fined this week, but let's see what happens after all the ceremonies and tributes are done.
Players from Redskins tight-end Chris Cooley to Titans quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, who had tweeted photos of the colorful Reebok gear, expected to pay fines for wearing the special cleated shoes and gloves in Sunday's games.
On Friday afternoon, NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said that the players would not be fined for wearing the tribute gear, despite breaking the league's strict uniform policy.
"We have extensive plans for Sunday to respectfully recognize the significance of the day," Aiello said.
All NFL players, coaches and sideline crews will be wearing special 9/11tribute ribbons on their apparel during the opening Sunday of the season.
The colorful equipment was spotted inside the New York Jets locker room this week and center Nick Mangold and tight end Dustin Keller said they plan to wear the cleats and gloves.
Chicago Bears linebacker Lance Briggs posted on his Twitter account about the possibility of having a fine levied against him for donning the red, white and blue gear.
"So once the breast cancer game is played, players can wear pink gloves and shoes as much as they like," Briggs tweeted. "For the anniversary of 9/11 game, why is it if I wear shoes and gloves that are the colors of our nation's flag...I will be fined by the league."
"Reebok did a great job on these gloves and shoes...looks like I'm getting fined this week. Lol!"
All the players who chose to wear the gear in honor of the day won't have to worry about getting fined this week, but let's see what happens after all the ceremonies and tributes are done.
