American football with American flag
Recently, the Associated Press disclosed that the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Sugar Bowl was postponed due to a terrorist attack in New Orleans. Despite the delay, the game eventually took place, evoking strong emotions among fans, as detailed by the South Bend Tribune. Throughout history, sporting events have played a crucial role in aiding communities in healing from disasters. In 2021, the Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics published a study focusing on the role of collegiate athletics in post-disaster community support. For college students and young adults, collegiate athletics can offer essential elements that promote healing post a community-based trauma. The ability to unify a community, demonstrate solidarity, and establish symbols of remembrance are services easily facilitated by sporting events, which might be challenging for many young adults to initiate independently. Here are three notable instances where college football played a significant role in aiding healing after a terrorist attack in the United States.
The 102nd Army Versus Navy Game (Bringing A Community Together)
In December 2001, the first Army versus Navy football game post the September 11, 2001, attacks took place in Philadelphia. Despite the Army team’s two wins and the winless Navy team, this event brought together various parts of the country. A report on Navysports.com in 2011 mentioned that Hall of Fame broadcaster Dick Enberg commentated the game for the first time in his career. Additionally, a report on Profootballhof.com in 2021 highlighted that this Army-Navy game was the first to be attended by a U.S. president since 1996. Moreover, a 2024 report on 911memorial.org mentioned that this football game garnered more television viewers than any other college football game in the 2000–2010 decade. (It was noted in this report that two players from the game later lost their lives in action during their military service).
Although Army emerged victorious with a score of 26-17, the emotional impact of uniting a significant portion of the country cannot be overstated. In 2024, the American Psychological Association released a report emphasizing the importance of enhancing social support in addressing stressors, including trauma. When provided with the right context and timing, attending a sporting event post a traumatic incident might enable many young adults to feel connected with their communities.
East Carolina University Versus Virginia Tech (A Show of Solidarity)
On September 1, 2007, the football teams of ECU and Virginia Tech faced off in the first game at the VT campus post the tragic campus shootings earlier that year. Despite VT’s 17-7 victory, the event was characterized by a remarkable display of unity. ESPN GameDay covered the event, and as per a 2007 report on ECUpirates.com, ECU had the opportunity to join VT on the field simultaneously during the customary “Enter Sandman” introduction. An article that year by local news outlet Wral.com described how the ECU marching band wore ribbons in memory of the victims and how ECU contributed $100,000 to Virginia Tech’s memorial fund. This piece included a quote from an alumnus stating that it might have been the first time a visiting team received applause from VT supporters.
Demonstrating solidarity is a critical component of recovery following a community-based trauma. After the New Orleans attack, the president of the University of Notre Dame released a statement affirming the university’s solidarity with those affected. Many young adults grappling with a traumatic event may feel isolated, and such displays of unity can alleviate this sense of isolation.
San Diego State University Versus University of Las Vegas (Symbols of Remembrance)
Following a mass shooting on the Las Vegas Strip in early October 2017, a football game between SDSU and UNLV transpired. This game was marked by numerous symbols of remembrance. An article that year on NCAA.com mentioned that both teams sported red ribbon decals on their helmets with “Las Vegas” inscribed. The piece also mentioned that a 100-yard American Flag covered the field during the national anthem to pay tribute to first responders. An article that week on ESPN.com highlighted that a shooting victim conducted the coin toss, with several other symbolic gestures detailed in the report. ESPN.com also reported SDSU’s victory with a score of 41-10.
Rituals and symbols of remembrance play a crucial role in coping with trauma. A 2019 article on PsychologyToday.com underscored the impact of rituals in dealing with grief. Many young adults find it challenging to express their emotions post a traumatic event, and rituals can aid in acknowledging and processing these emotions. Given the right circumstances and timing, engaging in a ritual at a sporting event could offer a comfortable avenue for many young adults to cope.
The aftermath of a terrorist attack is a tragic ordeal, and complete healing and recovery may be unattainable. Nonetheless, it is crucial for those impacted by such tragedies to encounter elements that foster healing. In the United States, college football serves as a platform for providing some of these essential elements.
