[AP photos]

By Charlie Laughtland
BDA blog editor

Stars and stripes forever.

That was the scene in stadiums across the country over the weekend as fans ushered in another season of pro football. The opening Sunday of the NFL schedule coincided with the 10th anniversary of September 11, 2001, creating a unique opportunity for the league to pay tribute to victims and survivors of the attacks.

Ceremonies were designed to "recognize those who lost their lives, honor the families who lost loved ones, and salute the American spirit, the early responders on 9/11 and other heroes that contributed to the nation's recovery," the NFL said.

Players, coaches and sideline personnel wore NFL 9/11 ribbons as a patch or pin on their uniforms and sideline apparel. All host stadiums featured the ribbon logo on the field.

All games featured a special video introduction followed by performances of "Taps" from near the sites of the 9/11 attacks, and moments of silence. The Sunday night game also included a performance from Hoboken, N.J., looking across the Hudson River to Ground Zero. Coaches, players, local first responders and other heroes held field-length American flags for the playing of the National Anthem.

Flags were flying in the stands, too.

The NFL called on BDA to manage a league-wide gate giveaway of American flags. We partnered with an NFL licensee that manufactured the flags to schedule ship dates of more than 1.15 million flags to 15 NFL stadiums in four phases, beginning in mid-August.

“Old Glory” was all over the TV broadcasts as cameras cut to crowds of fans proudly waving their mini flags. Throughout the games, patriotic spirit took center stage.

What a way to welcome football back.

View more images in the 9/11 gallery on NFL.com.