THE ANTHEM
Coaches, players and local first responders will hold field-length American flags for the playing of the national anthem.
'TAPS' PERFORMED
The ceremonies will include a video introduction, followed by performances of "Taps" from near the sites of the attacks, and moments of silence. For the early afternoon games, "Taps" will be performed in Shanksville, Pa., while the late-afternoon games will feature a rendition from Arlington National Cemetery.
GAMES OF NOTE
Baltimore is playing host to Pittsburgh; each team is based about 80 miles from Shanksville. Washington is hosting the New York Giants in Landover, Md., not far from where a plane crashed into the Pentagon. And the New York Jets are hosting Dallas in the New Jersey Meadowlands, across the river from ground zero.
NIGHTTIME TRIBUTE
Grammy-winning artist Mary J. Blige will sing the national anthem at the Jets-Cowboys game, which is the night game on NBC. Fans will receive an American flag as they enter MetLife Stadium, and children of first responders will serve as honorary team captains. Bagpipers representing the FDNY, NYPD and PAPD will also perform "Amazing Grace." At halftime, Academy Award-winning actor Robert De Niro will narrate during a moment honoring family members of 9/11 victims. John Ondrasik of Five For Fighting will also perform an acoustic, piano version of "Superman (It's Not Easy)," which became an anthem for many after the terrorist attacks.
