- At Super Bowl LIX on Sunday, Feb. 9, the National Football League told ABC News it plans to honor the 14 people killed and dozens injured in the New Year’s Day truck-ramming terror attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. The event will also honor the first responders who rushed to the scene.
- The Super Bowl will be played in the Big Easy between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs.
- Players have also been surprising survivors of the tragedy with tickets to the Super Bowl.
Full story
At Super Bowl LIX on Sunday, Feb. 9, the National Football League told ABC News that it plans to honor the 14 people killed and dozens of others injured in the New Year’s Day terror attack in New Orleans, as well as the first responders who rushed to the scene to help the victims.
The Super Bowl will be played in New Orleans between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs.
The NFL told ABC News that the celebratory atmosphere will also include a somber moment to remember the victims. However, the league did not reveal what the tribute will entail.
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Among the 75,000 fans in attendance will be survivors of the attack, including firefighters and paramedics who rushed into the chaos to help, as well as police officers who stopped the truck-ramming suspect after killing him in a shootout.
How have sports been impacted by the tragedy?
The act of terror caused a College Football Playoff (CFP) game between Notre Dame and Georgia, to be delayed. The teams held a moment of silence before the Sugar Bowl kickoff the following day.
What have players been doing to honor the victims and others?
Players from the Chiefs and Eagles, as well as the New Orleans Saints, have been surprising survivors of the tragedy with tickets to the Super Bowl. On Wednesday, Feb. 5, Saints linebacker Demario Davis gifted Stevey Kells, a nurse who provided first aid to victims of the attack, with a pair of tickets to the big game.
“It’s a resilient city; that response began with the first responders,” Davis said. “Those who were on the scene and those who had to react quickly, and she was there. So, it means a lot to be able to give back to somebody who’s given so much. It was awesome. That’s what it’s about.”
Eagle’s defensive end Brandon Graham also surprised Ryan Quigley, a former Princeton football player and long-time fan of the team who was injured in the attack. Quigley’s friend, 27-year-old Martin “Tiger” Bech, was among those killed.
Quigley said before Bech’s death, the two had discussed going to the Super Bowl if the Eagles made it to the big game.
“I told [Bech] if we make it… I promise I’m going to take you to the Super Bowl,” Quigley said.
Quigley added now he’ll be able to take Bech in spirit with him to the game.
How much security will the game have, and will Trump be there?
Super Bowl LIX will have increased security personnel. Reportedly more than 2,700 state, federal and local law enforcement officers will help to keep the festivities safe before, during and after the game.
Security will also be ramped up for a high-profile visitor. President Donald Trump is expected to become the first sitting commander-in-chief to attend a Super Bowl as the Eagles and Chiefs square off.
