As the NFL ON FOX begins coverage of its 18th season this weekend, the network commemorates the 10th anniversary of 9/11 with special stories and remembrances throughout the broadcast day.
FOX NFL SUNDAY begins its pregame coverage at 12:00 PM ET with a special open narrated by former president George W. Bush. Bush filmed the two-minute piece this week in Texas that also features members of the FDNY, NYPD and NY/NJ Port Authority Police Department. In the intro, he talks about heroism, perseverance and recovery.
Also featured during pregame coverage is the story of four families personally affected by the attacks at the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001. They recall their personal relationships with the loved ones they lost as well as that person’s passion for the NFL and how watching and getting behind their team helped them in their grieving.
This Sunday at 12:57 PM ET, the NFL has coordinated pregame ceremonies from Shanksville, PA to be simulcast live to all early games. The tribute includes a special video introduction narrated by Academy Award-winner Robert De Niro, followed by a performance of Taps from Shanksville, a moment of silence and the National Anthem from each game site. Coaches, players and local first responders hold field-length American flags during these performances.
In addition to the FOX broadcast, the following News Corp networks interrupt scheduled programming to also provide coverage of the pregame ceremonies from Shanksville: Fox News, FX, National Geographic, Nat Geo Wild, SPEED, FOX Soccer, FOX Soccer Plus, FOX Deportes, Big Ten Network, FUEL TV, FS Arizona, FS Detroit, FS Florida, Sun Sports, FS Houston, FS Midwest, FS North, FS Wisconsin, FS Ohio, FS South, Sports South, FS Southwest, FS West, Prime Ticket, FOXSports.com and FOXSports.com regional websites.
Coverage runs from approximately 12:57 PM ET – 1:03 PM ET.
Prior to the broadcast of FOX Sports’ 4:15 PM ET games, where most of the country will see the Giants/Redskins game from FedEx Field, a similar ceremony takes place from Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA.
(source; FOX)
