College Football

The sports world remembers 9/11 on 20th anniversary

Updated Sep. 11, 2021 8:00 p.m. ET

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On the 20th anniversary of 9/11, the sports world paid tribute and remembered all those who lost their lives on that infamous day two decades ago.

Here are some of those remembrances, including a series of reflective essays from FOX Sports.

Rinaldi shares Woodall's story

FOX Sports' Tom Rinaldi tells the story of former Cal football and baseball player Brent Woodall, who lost his life while on the 86th floor of the World Trade Center during the 9/11 attacks. He was 31.

His legacy, like thousands of others, lives on through his family and friends, and through the Brent Woodall Foundation for Exceptional Children, started by his wife, Tracy, in 2003 – an idea inspired by Brent before his death.

Big Noon Kickoff honors Pat Tillman

Men and women across the country sacrificed their livelihoods to serve the country during and after 9/11, including former Arizona State linebacker and Arizona Cardinals safety Pat Tillman. 

Big Noon crew takes a look back

Reggie Bush, Matt Leinart, Bob Stoops, Brady Quinn and Rob Stone each share their thoughts about Sept. 11 and how they remember those that were affected to this day.

The first sporting event after 9/11

When Nebraska took the field 10 days after 9/11 back in 2001, it was the first national sporting event since the attacks.

The Cornhuskers brought military personnel and first responders with them.

Big Noon fans remember

Cheering isn't reserved just for sports teams. 

Sometimes, it's about your country.

A moment of silence in Columbus

Major League Baseball pays tribute

The Yankees-Mets game on Saturday evening provided a poignant backdrop to honor New York's first responders. In an essay written by Tom Verducci and narrated by Billy Crystal, the actor and prominent New Yorker said: 

"Baseball did not heal. It did not fill the empty chairs at so many dinner tables. It did not bring back the more than 400 first responders who ran toward danger. But it did give us some comfort. Some hope. The ballpark was our gathering place, the first place we assembled in a post-9/11 world. To feel safe. To honor those lost. To thank our first responders. To cry, and yes, to smile again."

A moment of silence was held at Ground Zero, with President Biden among those in attendance.

The Healing Home Run

We also looked backed to remember a game that was more than a game, and a home run by Mike Piazza that was much more than a home run.

And Alex Rodriguez, David Ortiz and Frank Thomas shared their memories of the day.

Pregame ceremonies included a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem, and first pitches thrown out by former Yankees manager Joe Torre and former Mets manager Bobby Valentine.

Other New York teams honor 9/11

The Giants, Jets, Knicks and others took a moment to remember 9/11 on social media Saturday morning, as did Giants legend Michael Strahan.

NFL, its teams honor 9/11

Joining the Giants and Jets was the NFL as a whole in paying tribute to those affected back in 2001. 

NBA, NHL and MLB pay tribute

Each of the major sports leagues remembered 9/11 on Twitter.

NASCAR remembers at Richmond

Cup Series drivers will take to the track on Saturday at Richmond Raceway, but before they do, the sport reflected on 9/11 two decades later. 

Stay tuned for more tributes remembering Sept. 11, 2001.

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