The NFL to Salute the 9/11 Fallen Heros

Its finally that time for some football and with the first Sunday of the NFL regular season falling on the 10th anniversary of 9/11 the NFL plans to remember those that lost their lives, honor the families who lost loved ones and salute the American spirit. In 2005 the fourth anniversary of 9/11 also started the football season with this tragic day and so 2012 marks the second time a 9/11 anniversary has fallen on the first Sunday of the NFL season since 2001.

The official NFL 9/11 ribbon logo

As reported by ESPN

Pregame tributes will be synchronized on CBS and Fox telecasts and shown on videoboards in each stadium hosting games. Coaches, players and local first responders will hold field-length American flags for the playing of the national anthem.

With the New York Giants' visiting the the Washington Redskins and the Dallas Cowboys' coming to play the New York Jets at MetsLife Stadium for the first 2011 Monday Night Football Game, the NFL will be playing in the communities hit hardest by the attacks. Pre-game events will be shown simultaneously during CBS and FOX telecasts, followed by the Cowboy - Jet Sunday night presentation on NBC. All games will feature a video introduction followed by performances of “Taps” from near the sites of the attacks, and moments of silence. All 32 of the NFL teams coaches and players will join local first responders in unfolding a field-length American flag as the National Anthem is played before each game. You will see all on the field wearing a special NFL 9/11 ribbon and all stadiums hosting games on September 11 will feature the ribbon logo on the field.

2011 NFL Draft |New York Jets

NFL 2011 New York Jets Draft Picks

Coach Rex Ryan came to New York with the reputation of being a defensive wizard and the Jets have improved under him.  However, it was their inability to stop Pittsburgh’s offense last January that led to their ouster in the AFC Championship game.  With key offensive pieces like quarterback Mark Sanchez and running back Shonn Greene in place, Gang Green will want to focus on becoming one of the top three defensive units in the NFL.
The New York Jets have a very good defense, but Stephen Paea will be the future anchor of the Jets defense. Taylor "won" the bench press at the Combine, and he has a lot of skill and speed the jets will be looking to develop in his rookie year.
Here are some strong possibilities for the Jets to take with the 30th pick.

Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor

Phil Taylor - NT - Temple University can plug the middle and attract double teams. His presence would allow Sione Pouha to kick out to defensive end. 

Akeem Ayers-LB-UCLA

Akeem Ayers - LB - UCLA -The 6’3”, 254-pound Ayers was an impact player the past two seasons for the Bruins, combining for 24.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, six interceptions and four forced fumbles. Soem consider Ayers to be the fourth-ranked outside linebacker.

"I’d love to play for Rex. They have one of the best defenses in the NFL. That’s something I’d definitely look forward to. I’d be extremely excited if I were to get the opportunity. It’d be an honor to play for the Jets.”

In an Associated Press report by Dennis Waszak Jr., GM Mike Tannenbaum had some interesting things to say in regards to the Jets and their first-pick:

We've run a lot of different scenarios," Tannenbaum said. "Our guess is as good as anybody's. When you're at 30, there's going to be a few trades ahead of us. We try to be as prepared as possible, see if we can move up a few spots or back a few. I think you have to have a pretty good number to start with just because you're sitting at 30.

Check back for  All the Latest on the New York Jets 2011 Draft