With the first Sunday of the football season falling on the tenth anniversary of 9/11, several formal tributes are planned around the league, particularly at the New York Giants game against the Redskins in Washington, DC. Some players are planning their own tributes, including custom gloves and shoes specially designed around the tenth anniversary.
After players tweeted and publicly stated that they were willing to face fines in order to offer their remembrance in their own way, the league informed the 32 NFL teams on Friday that there will be a special exemption made for this week.
Michael Signora, NFL Vice President of Football Communications, tweeted on Friday, “NFL confirmed to clubs this morning that players may wear special shoes & gloves from NFL licensees for Week 1 games.”
Chicago Bears linebacker Lance Briggs has been very public about his plans, and has tweeted photos of the specially made gear, including a message saying, “Reebok great job on these gloves and shoes..looks like I’m getting fined this week. Lol!” Fortunately, with the league’s statement on Friday, the fine won’t be an issue.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles added his thoughts via Twitter as well, “I have some commemorative 9/11 gloves & cleats for the weekend game.. That #reebok made me. I never forget.”
Washington Redskins tight end Chris Cooley will also be wearing tribute gear, and his wife Christy tweeted photos of his gear.
It appears that Reebok has provided the same gear to players around the league, and it will be a fitting tribute for those lost on 9/11.
It should be mentioned that Antonio Gates is leaning towards wearing them and I believe Roddy White has decided that he will. Nice to see that lots of prominent players want to wear them and I’m sure we will see players of all levels with them on Sunday.