Tribute to 9/11 - How it affected Sports, and the U.S.

9/11 has left a mark on America forever. It was a watershed event. For any of you who might not know what a "watershed" event is, I will explain. A watershed event is an event that changes something, or somebody forever. The American Revolution, the Civil War, the death of Osama Bin Laden, the first American man to step on the moon, and the great tragedy of 9/11/2001. Everyone remembers where they were when this tragic event happened.

    -- In this article, I will give you different stories of different players and where they were on the day, and their stories. Also, I will share what athletes are doing to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the attacks of September 11, 2001.

Players and coaches share their stories publicly:


     Jonathan Coleman, WR, Boston College:
          Coleman was 10 years old when the attack occurred. He kissed his mother goodbye and headed off to school. Living in the Bronx, and attending school in the Bronx, Coleman and his friends were quickly aware of the situation as they could see smoke pouring out of the World Trade center from the classroom window.  Jonathan's mother, was scheduled to have an interview at the world trade center that morning. Luckily, she slept through her alarm and missed the interview. Missing that alarm could have been the difference of life and death for her.

     Trot Nixon, Former RF, Boston Red Sox
          Nixon was in Tampa Bay, and his pregnant wife, was in Boston and the hospital waiting to give birth. Early on the morning of September 11, Nixon was prepared to board a plane to Boston so he could be there when his wife gave birth to his son Chase. When he boarded the plane, he had no idea what had happened, and what events were about to occur in Shanksville, PA, the Pentagon, and the World Trade Center in New York City. Halfway through the flight, the pilot came on the loud speaker and announced that the flight was being forced to land in Norfolk, VA. Trot, missed the birth of his son Chase. He eventually drove 19 hours with his cousins to Boston, MA to see his wife and Chase. The birth of his son brought happiness to him that day, and all Chase talks about now, is USA sports.

     Kevin Durant, F, Oklahoma City Thunder
          As Durant and his friends were walking to school as they heard a loud boom. They did not know what the boom was until they got home in the afternoon, and figured out that the boom must've been a plane crashing into the Pentagon.

What sports athletes are doing to commemorate the 10th anniversary:


     Lance Briggs, LB, Chicago Bears
          Lance Briggs will wear american flag cleats, and american flag gloves when he takes the field against the Falcons on Sunday, the 11th.

     Nascar Drivers, Richmond, VA
          Many Nascar drivers on Saturday night had red, white, and blue stripes on their cars. Some had american flags as they observed the anniversary. On the 11th lap, the fans held up American flags to honor the amereicans who died. On the back of Kyle Busch's car, the words "9-11 Never Forget" were painted on.