This pass Sunday not only marked the opening of the National Football Leagues regular season, but also the 10th anniversary of 9-11. All across this great country, millions of Americans held ceremonies and attended visuals. As well as the unveiling of the 9-11 memorial at Ground Zero dedicated to the victims and heroes killed on that tragic day. It was truly a day of reflection and more importantly, a time for remembrance.
A couple of week’s prior, the NFL’s sponsor Reebok sent out special gear for the players to wear on opening day. The purpose of the gear was not to premiere any new apparel or solicit consumers. Instead, Reebok’s intention was to give the players an opportunity to pay tribute to the victims of 9-11. The only problem was, the company sent the items without getting approval from the NFL. This created a major commotion among the industry because many allegations were arising that the league was going to fined players for wearing the uniform before authorization. Many would agree that, sometimes rules are made to be broken for the right cause and that is exactly what some of the players were going to do. According to USATODAY, Lance Briggs was ready and willing to accept any fine that came along with wearing the 9-11 gear. “Reebok did a great job on these gloves and shoes…looks like I’m getting fined this week. Lol!” tweeted Briggs. However, there was no need for anyone to whip out their checkbooks the league made a statement that no fines would be issue for wearing the patriotic apparel. As long as the gear is from a licensed NFL sponsor.
It’s my belief that the NFL had no intention of penalizing anyone; they have been known to create special gear to show their support for many good causes. For example, last season the league participated in Breast Cancer Awareness Month by having a huge campaign. Players wore pink cleats, gloves and helmets decals, in addition to the coaches and the sideline staff sporting pink caps and t-shirts. Also, there were games balls with pink ribbons and a pink goal post padding in the end zone (NFL, 2010). The campaign proven to be a success in raising over $80,000 that was donated; there is aspect of the league that isn’t all about making money or thinking of the next best marketing scheme. Football is known to be the American sport. Therefore, it wasn’t a surprise to me when the players proudly stepped onto the field wearing their red, white and blue. It was the NFL way to show the American people and the world that they will NEVER FORGET the victims and heroes of 9-11.
Picture Reference:
Monty, C. (2011). WTF. NFL Players to Face Fines for Wearing Commemorative 9/11 Gear. Retrieved from http://www.blippitt.com/wtf-nfl-players-to-face-fines-for-wearing-commemorative-911-gear-photos/
Weasel Zippers. (2011). NFL May Fine Players for Wearing 9/11 Tribute Gear. Retrieved from http://weaselzippers.us/2011/09/09/nfl-may-fine-players-for-wearing-911-tribute-gear/
