I usually wake up early on the first NFL Sunday of the year and get some coffee, read the sports page, and prepare for all day action starting at 1pm.
But this opening Sunday was much different.
My day started with reflection of that fateful day 10 years past. It started with a tolling bell asking for a moment of silence....with a tearful roll call of thousands of names forever lost to the lunacy of 19 men crashing planes into buildings that are our symbols of freedom and democracy.
They didn't know their acts would only strengthen our resolve to be tougher, better, and protect freedom with more fervor than ever before.
There was plenty of brave action on the football field today. But it paled in comparison to the remembrances of bravery shown by the passengers of Flight 93, and by the rescue workers that ventured into a towering inferno and the Pentagon to save their brothers and sisters in danger.
So I respectfully end my selfish football pleasure today by saying my own thank you to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
You are the true heroes......those on the gridiron are merely pretending.
