Never Forget

There are many things I regard myself as: a student, a man, a brother, a son, etc. On top of that list, I like to think I save the best for last. I am a Chiefs fan, and first and foremost, I am an American.

This Sunday marks the beginning of the Chiefs regular season, with a game against the Buffalo Bills. That is the second most important thing happening. As much as I love my Chiefs, we have to remember the reason why we are able to love sports, to root for teams, to live in the land of the free and the home of the brave.

The reason is sacrifice.

This Sunday marks the 10 year anniversary of the darkest moment in recent American history, the terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington D.C. Many made the ultimate sacrifice to try to save lives on those two burning towers that had for so long silhouetted the iconic skyline of America's largest city. Many more weren't given the chance of a sacrifice.

On a day that is simply referred to as 9/11, many memories will be rehashed, just like on every anniversary of that fateful day. Many will remember sadness, some shock, others anger; all will remember unity. Strangers became friends, neighbors became family. America had been attacked, buildings destroyed and people murdered, but we never lost our spirit as a nation.

With the start of the regular season falling on the eleventh day of September, the NFL wants to recapture this unity, to put on display to the entire world our American spirit, and to honor and remember the sacrifices that Americans made then and continue to make to this day.

As much as NFL players know about sacrifice, it doesn't even come close to the sacrifices that were made that day and none of them would tell you it does. That is why, out of respect, many players have decided to wear commemorative patriotic shoes and gloves made by Reebok. For a picture of what they look like, click here.

On the gloves are the words "Never Forget," and one of those players that refuses to forget the tragic events a decade ago is the Chiefs' own Jamaal Charles. When posting on Twitter the picture you can see above (by selecting the hyperlink), Charles echoed the words that are written across the gloves: "I never forget."

The NFL was close to forgetting.

After it came out that several players from around the league were going to wear these patriotic designed shoes and gloves, it was reported that the NFL said they would fine any player who so choose to do so. In a day that they wanted to commemorate the American spirit, they were being quite un-American.

Yet out of this report came players extremely willing to take the fine. Lance Briggs from the Chicago Bears tweeted "By far the best fine I will ever have to pay. Thanks." Others responded in the same type of way. Players united, willing to take a fine from the NFL in order to show that they still remember, that they never forget.

The NFL quickly backed down. Am I upset at the NFL? No, they were just trying to stick to policy and they soon changed their decision when it started getting attention. Sunday shouldn't be about anger and resentment, even towards the NFL rules, even towards the other team. It should be in honor of those that didn't make it to today. I'm just glad the NFL made the right choice.

I know the lockout created quite the division between owners, players and fans this offseason. There is a difference between all of us, but on Sunday, our differences should be cast aside, even between Chiefs and Bills fans. I remember exactly where I was at when I saw the plane strike the second tower, that is something that you can never forget. It's nice to know the people playing on the field Sunday feel that way too.