Boston College and Rutgers clash in Red Bandanna Game on 9/11’s 25th anniversary

Boston College opened its campus on Friday night for the annual Red Bandanna Game, inviting Rutgers to a matchup that fell on the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. ESPN reported that the event carried special meaning for both programs, with the Eagles using the occasion to pay tribute to New York City hero Welles Crowther, whose story has become synonymous with the game’s red bandanna symbol.

The Red Bandanna Game began in 2002 as a student‑led effort to remember the victims of 9/11 and to honor Crowther, a former Boston College football player who died rescuing strangers in the World Trade Center. Participants wear red bandannas, the same color Crowther kept in his pocket that day, and the event raises funds for the Welles Crowther Foundation, which supports youth leadership and emergency‑services training. This year’s ceremony featured a moment of silence, a display of the iconic bandanna, and remarks from alumni who knew Crowther personally, underscoring the lasting impact of his bravery.

While the game itself proceeded without incident, ESPN noted that the focus remained on remembrance rather than the final score. The crowd, a mix of students, veterans, and first‑responders, responded to the pre‑game tribute with a standing ovation, highlighting how the tradition has grown into a broader community observance.

The Red Bandanna Game has evolved into one of college football’s most poignant annual events. Originating from a grassroots movement on campus, it quickly attracted national attention and now includes charitable drives that have generated thousands of dollars for the foundation. The game serves as a reminder that collegiate athletics can provide a platform for social awareness, especially when tied to a cause as resonant as 9/11 remembrance.

Looking ahead, both Boston College and Rutgers have pledged to keep the tradition alive, with plans to expand outreach to other schools and to incorporate additional educational components about emergency preparedness. The continued partnership signals that the legacy of Welles Crowther will remain a fixture in the college football calendar for years to come.