Rutgers University will honor 37 alumni who died in the 9/11 attacks with specially designed uniforms for their upcoming football game against Boston College. The game, scheduled for Friday night, falls on the 25th anniversary of the tragic events of September 11, 2001.
Rutgers, located approximately 36 miles southwest of Manhattan in New Jersey, is the closest Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) program to New York City. The university is commemorating the loss of 37 former students during the 2001 terrorist attacks.
The special uniforms will feature helmets with the number '37' in a U.S. flag print, accompanied by the words 'never forget' along the side of the all-red pants.
IMAGE1: Rutgers will wear special uniforms on Friday night on the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks
The matchup against Boston College is particularly poignant, as the Eagles annually pay tribute to their former lacrosse player, Welles Crowther. Crowther died after saving an estimated 20 lives during the attacks, becoming known for the red bandana he wore.
Boston College will incorporate the iconic red bandana pattern on their helmets and jerseys, with name plates displaying 'For Welles.' This game marks the 13th annual Red Bandanna Game, honoring Crowther, a member of the class of 1999.
Rutgers Football announced the tribute on social media, stating, 'As we take the field on the 25th anniversary of 9/11, we honor all of those whose lives were lost on that tragic day, including our 37 alumni. We remember. We honor. We will never forget.'
IMAGE2: 37 Rutgers alumni were killed in the attacks, with New York less than 40 miles from its campus
Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano, who was in his first year as head coach during the 2001 season, has often spoken about the anniversary's significance to the school and its students. He noted that many current players were not born at the time of the attacks and require education on the events.
'It's still real important, right? 37 Rutgers alums lost that day,' Schiano said. He recalled personal connections to the tragedy and the impact of seeing smoke on the horizon from the team's practice fields on September 11, 2001.
Schiano emphasized the team's responsibility to educate young men, not just about football, but about the world and significant historical events. He shared that a visit to the 9/11 memorial site with the team in past years helped players gain a better understanding of the tragedy.
IMAGE3: Rutgers is traveling to Boston College in an emotional game 25 years after the terror attacks
IMAGE4: Boston College annually pays tribute to Welles Crowther and his red bandana
IMAGE5: Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano has spoken passionately about the importance to his team