Profiles in Full Press Coverage: Patriotism and the NFL

On Monday, Americans throughout the country will celebrate Memorial Day. This federal holiday, annually observed on the final Monday of May, has become fondly known as the ‘unofficial kick-off of summer.”  Family outings, barbecues, and outdoor activities have become synonymous with this three-day weekend.

However, it should be incumbent, among all those who celebrate, to remember that Memorial Day holds a far greater significance. This day is intended to honor the memory of all military personnel, who bravely gave their lives in service to our country.

Simply put, there is no greater American ‘team’ than the United States Armed Forces. Despite our political, ideological and sociological differences, we can all agree on honoring the men and women who have bravely served to secure our freedom. When all else seems to divide us, this common bond never ceases to strengthen our patriotism.

To a lesser degree, professional team sports have also served as a platform for patriotic pride. As the country’s most popular sport, pro football often embodies the spirit of teamwork that has helped to shape American culture. There seems to be something inherently American about the game, its players, and its fans. It brings us together, as one. Despite cheering for different teams, we are all united as football fans every Sunday.

Therefore, this edition of ‘Profiles in Full Press Coverage’ takes a retrospective look at some of the most patriotic moments in NFL history. It is not intended to make a political statement. It neither supports, nor condemns the choices made by players, or fans, to exercise their beliefs. Rather, it is encouraged to serve as a reminder that patriotic pride can still be found on the gridiron.

The NFL implements ‘A Salute to Service’

In November 2011, the NFL announced their Salute to Service campaign, which showcases the military appreciation work of the NFL and its teams. The program typically takes place every November, near the time of Veterans Day.

Throughout the month of November, NFL teams designate a select number of home games as special military appreciation games. During these games, teams display “Salute to Service” banners on their sidelines, in addition to hosting ceremonies to honor the service and sacrifice of our nation’s troops. Camouflage equipment and military apparel are often worn by players and coaches, as well.

Although the publicity for the program has been painted with a cynical brush, “Salute to Service” has done much to extend the appreciation for our veterans, current soldiers, and their families. It has also helped the NFL to extend their support of programs such as the USO and the Wounded Warrior Project. As a result, the NFL continues to be among the leading organizations to support and honor our Armed Forces.

Marching on during World War II

Baseball has often been linked with the legacy of World War II. From the numerous high-profile Major Leaguers being called to military service, to the formation of the All American Girls Professional Baseball League, it has often provided one of the greatest backdrops in American sports history.

However, many have forgotten that the NFL’s ability to survive, during those same years, was just as remarkable. Unlike Major League Baseball, the NFL was still in a state of relative infancy. They were in a precarious financial state, and most teams lacked sufficient players to field a full squad. Rather than fold, the NFL chose to make some bold moves, which eventually proved to pay off. Understaffed teams were forced to merge. The Steelers joined forces with the Eagles to create the Steagles. Later on, when the need reemerged, the Steelers merged with the Cardinals to create the Card-Pits. Somehow, during those less-than-ideal circumstances, the league survived. Remarkably, they did so despite being in a state of relative infancy.

The War-Era survival and maturation of the NFL serve as an example of persistence and determination during times of adversity. As has often been the case, tragic events will neither force Americans to completely sacrifice their way of life nor abandon their passions. Even though we were at war overseas, the American spirit endured at home. While it may have been only a small reminder, the NFL’s refusal to surrender did embody the perseverance of the U.S. in the face of adversity.

Super Bowl XV

On January 25, 1981, Super Bowl XV was played between the Oakland Raiders and the Philadelphia Eagles. For the Eagles, it would be their first championship game berth in 20 years. For the Raiders, they would become the first team to reach the Super Bowl as a wild card. led by resurgent quarterback Jim Plunkett. It had the makings of a classic, based on just the game alone.

However, many of the game’s great storylines would be overshadowed by the spirit of a much different kind of hero. Only five days prior to the game, a resolution to the Iranian hostage crisis had been achieved. On the same day in which Ronald Reagan was inaugurated as the 40th President of the United States, 52 American hostages returned home to U.S. Custody.

Amidst a sea of patriotism and gratitude, the NFL used its biggest stage to honor the Americans who survived 444 days of captivity. During the pregame ceremonies, the Southern University band performed. The fans in attendance waived yellow ribbons in support of the hostages. In addition, the Louisiana Superdome (the site of Super Bowl XV) was fitted with an enormous yellow bow to signify the end of the harrowing event.

The Raiders defeated the Eagles 27-10, and Plunkett won the game’s MVP honors. However, this Super Bowl will always be remembered for its pregame ceremonies, as much as the action on the field.

The Return of Rocky Bleier

The Pittsburgh Steelers have long been the NFL’s example of blue-collar, hard-working grit. To this day, they are the most decorated NFL team, in terms of championships. They boast an impressive collection of hall-of-famers, and a defense that will forever be known as the “Steel Curtain.” It’s an example that is as American as any other in professional sports.

However, one of the most indelible images of the heart and courage of a Veteran can be found in former Steelers halfback Rocky Bleier.

After his rookie season in 1968, Bleier left the Steelers upon being drafted to serve in the Vietnam War. While in combat, Bleier was shot in the thigh and took shrapnel in his leg via an exploding grenade.

For his valor, Bleier was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. However, a return to the NFL seemed nearly impossible.

Nevertheless, despite struggling just to walk, Bleier defied all odds and returned to the Steelers just one year later. He earned a key offensive place on one of the NFL’s all-time greatest dynasties. Bleier would go on to win four Super Bowls and became a symbol of both sacrifice and resilience. Quite simply, Bleier never gave up. His bravery serves as an example on the battlefield, as well as the football field

Super Bowl XXXVI

Before they became the scourge of 31 NFL fan bases, the 2001 incarnation of the New England Patriots were among the biggest “Cinderella Stories” that the NFL had ever seen. Taking on the heavily-favored St. Louis Rams, the Patriots faced more than just a tall task.  The Rams, dubbed “the Greatest Show on Turf” were expected to easily defeat the Pats, who featured a second-string quarterback, an unproven head coach, and a collection of role players.

My, how times have changed.

Given the circumstances that surrounded the entire 2001 season, the Patriots proved to be the perfect example of perseverance, which America so desperately needed.  The NFL was overshadowed by the events of 9/11, and rightfully so. It seemed all too fitting that a team named in the spirit of the Revolutionary War’s Continental Army (the original underdogs), defeated the more glamorous and heralded opponent.  On this night, red, white and blue waved proudly once again.

In addition to the patriotism on the field, the NFL also solemnly assured that we all remember those who tragically lost their lives on 9/11. As the band U2 performed at halftime, a screen scrolled the names of those who perished. It was an indelible display, which ensured that there would not be a dry eye anywhere in the Louisiana Superdome.

In Memory of Our Fallen Leader

The late Pete Rozelle once described it as the greatest regret during his 29 years as NFL Commissioner.  Some have praised it. Many have condemned it. However, history has shown that Rozelle’s decision to play the NFL’s full slate of games just a few days after President John F. Kennedy’s assassination was a necessity.

Amidst the shock and sadness, felt helpless and paralyzed in the aftermath of the President’s death.  The next day, the country would lay their leader to rest. Football was not considered a priority, and few would argue otherwise.

However, with the baseball season having ended, the NFL felt compelled to set an example and aid in the healing process. After receiving the blessing from Kennedy’s press secretary, Pierre Salinger, Rozelle decided to move forward with the seven NFL games scheduled for Sunday, November 24, 1963.

Whether one perceives it as right or wrong, Rozelle’s decision gave thousands, if not millions, of Americans a brief respite from the sadness of the largely beloved president’s tragic assassination.  Although it was a time of sorrow, Americans have since found the patriotism in carrying on in the face of tragedy.

Whitney Houston sings the National Anthem at Super Bowl XXV

With Operation Desert Storm only 10 days old, American patriotism was at an all-time high.  Our country was rallying around its troops, and American Flags and yellow ribbons adorned nearly every door and street corner in the U.S.  At the same time, there were serious concerns about the safety of Americans both at home and those abroad serving in the military.

However, patriotism and pride were about to reach a new level.  It is one that perhaps no other American sports scene has ever experienced.  It happened just prior to the Buffalo Bills and New York Giants kickoff in Super Bowl XXV on January 27, 1991.

Just before American F-16 fighter jets flew over a stadium filled with more than 70,000 fans holding miniature American flags, Whitney Houston delivered the “Star-Spangled Banner” with such zeal and passion that it brought players, coaches, and fans to tears. Houston’s performance of the song resonated so closely with so many Americans that it will forever be linked to that event, as well as each Super Bowl itself.  It remains the most famous performance of America’s national anthem.

Returning After Tragedy

Few moments have polarized history as did the tragic events of September 11, 2001.  Like the aforementioned assassination of President Kennedy, it is one of the moments in which everyone can immediately recall their precise location when they heard the news.

After the postponement of the league’s 2001 Week 2 schedule, play resumed 12 days after the September 11 attacks. Throughout each of 15 sites that hosted games that week, there were tremendous displays of patriotism, both on the field and in the stands.

Fans and players cheered, in unison, as American flags blanketed the stadiums and the playing fields. Stadium loudspeakers blasted “America the Beautiful, “God Bless America,” and the “Star-Spangled Banner.”  Although it had been deeply wounded, America looked to be as united as ever.

In turn, the most patriotic element on display that day may well have been the red, white and blue banners located in every end zone. They read “United We Stand.”  There is no greater American sentiment than unity. It is unfortunate that events such as these remind us all of that very fact.

Honoring Pat Tillman

The loss of former Arizona Cardinals safety and U.S. Soldier Pat Tillman was a terrible tragedy for both the United States and the NFL. But as tragic, depressing, and painful as it was, the outpouring of emotion and love that followed was a fine example of American patriotism. Although his death has been clouded by controversy, his sacrifice and spirit were, and will, always be remembered.

Tillman set aside a successful, and lucrative, pro football career to defend his nation by serving in the U.S. Military. After serving several tours with the Army Rangers, Tillman was killed by friendly fire in the mountains of Afghanistan on April 22, 2004. He was the first professional football player to be killed in combat since former Buffalo Bills’ guard Bob Kalsu, who died in the Vietnam War in 1970.

Following his death, Tillman was posthumously promoted from specialist to corporal, and received Silver Star and Purple Heart medals. The Cardinals honored him by retiring his jersey during the September 19, 2004 game between the Cardinals and New England Patriots at Sun Devil Stadium. In addition, the remaining 31 NFL Teams and their fans each paid well-deserved tributes to a true American hero.

From my pen…

On a personal note, I would like to express my gratitude to each and every member…past and present…living and deceased…of the United States Armed Forces. Their bravery and dedicated service to our country will forever be admired. Heroes never die; they forever live in our memories. Thank you for your service, and most whole-heartedly, for your sacrifice. A grateful nation will forever be in your debt.  

–Mike D’Abate is a Managing Editor and National Columnist for Full Press Coverage Sports Media.  He covers the New England Patriots and provides NFL editorial content. Follow him on Twitter @mdabateFPC