Boston College and Rutgers football teams recognized the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks by wearing specially designed uniforms during their game on Friday, Sept. 11, 2026. The annual "Red Bandanna Game" between Boston College and its opponent honors Welles Crowther, a Boston College alumnus and volunteer firefighter who died on 9/11.
Crowther was working on the 104th floor of the South Tower when the attacks occurred. He helped evacuate over a dozen people before re-entering the burning building and ultimately died when it collapsed. He became known as the "Red Bandanna" hero for the distinctive bandana he wore, which served as a beacon of hope for those he rescued.
Boston College's football team has annually honored Crowther's sacrifice since 2014. This year, the Eagles players wore red and white paisley uniforms, shedding their usual maroon and gold. Instead of their last names, their jerseys featured the nameplate "For Welles." The game was also designated as a whiteout for fans, with many attendees holding red bandannas. ![A Boston College Eagles fan holds up a red For Welles bandanma during the first half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, on Friday, Sept. 11, 2026.]( "A Boston College fan holds up a red "For Welles" bandana.")
Boston College coach Bill O’Brien emphasized the importance of the game's message, stating, "It’s what BC is all about: giving back, helping people... It’s about selflessness and the ultimate sacrifice. It’s about teamwork. It’s all those different things that come into play. It’s a really important lesson."
This year marked the first time the Red Bandanna Game was played on the actual anniversary of Sept. 11 and the first time it was against Rutgers, a team with significant New York City area connections. Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano, who was in his first season with the Scarlet Knights in 2001, recalled seeing smoke from the practice field across the Hudson River on that day.
Rutgers also honored the victims with special uniforms. Their helmets featured the number 37, representing the 37 Rutgers alumni who perished in the attacks, accompanied by an American flag pattern. The words "never forget" were displayed on the side of their pants and the back of their helmets.
For many players on the field Friday, the events of Sept. 11, 2001, occurred before they were born. Coach O'Brien noted the significance of understanding the sacrifice, stating, "Not to equate football to what Welles went through on that day, but understanding what it’s all about and what it means for Boston College is very important for these players to understand."