A sea of red bandannas filled Boston College’s stadium as fans honored 9/11 hero Welles Crowther on the attack’s 25th anniversary, and the Eagles capped the tribute with a 28-21 win over Rutgers.
Story Highlights
- Boston College staged its annual Red Bandanna Game to honor Welles Crowther ’99
- The 2026 tribute marked the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks
- Boston College beat Rutgers 28-21 before 40,000-plus fans
- Crowther is remembered for rescuing many in the South Tower
Stadium Tribute Honors ‘Man in the Red Bandanna’
Boston College held its annual Red Bandanna Game to honor alumnus Welles Crowther, a volunteer firefighter and equities trader who died rescuing people in the World Trade Center’s South Tower on September 11, 2001. The school scheduled the game on the 25th anniversary of the attacks, tying the on-field event to a solemn national milestone. Fans, students, and alumni wore red bandannas across Alumni Stadium as a visible pledge to remember service, courage, and country over chaos and fear.
Boston College has built the Red Bandanna Game into a standing tradition that centers on selflessness and service, reinforcing the community’s shared values year after year. The program describes the event as a way to keep Crowther’s example alive for new students and fans. That focus on character and duty fits what many Americans want from public institutions: teach the next generation that heroes run toward danger to help others, and that faith, family, and country come first.
On-Field Result Matches the Moment
The Eagles edged Rutgers 28-21 in a tight, emotional game, giving the home crowd a result that matched the moment. The university’s recap recorded more than 40,000 in attendance for the 13th annual Red Bandanna Game, tying the victory to a packed-house tribute. ESPN separately noted the same final score and framed the contest as Boston College’s yearly honor for Crowther, confirming the core facts across outlets. The win sent fans home with pride in both team and country-linked tradition.
Event organizers and media outlets describe Crowther as the “Man in the Red Bandanna,” a name drawn from witness accounts of him guiding people to safety with a red bandanna over his face. Boston College’s profile states he saved as many as 18 lives, while ESPN describes him rescuing more than a dozen people. The counts vary in wording but point to the same truth: a young American chose courage and saved many during our nation’s darkest morning.
Why This Tradition Matters for Families and Country
Boston College links the game to its mission of service, showing how a clear ritual can shape culture and behavior for the better. Schools often use commemorations to rally identity and teach core values, and this event is a strong case: the symbol is simple, the story is true, and the message honors sacrifice and duty over politics or trends. For many families, that message offers unity at a time when culture often mocks faith, patriotism, and common sense.
A tradition like no other: Tonight's Red Bandanna Game commemorates the legacy of Welles Crowther ’99, whose extraordinary courage and selfless actions continue to inspire generations. It serves as a tribute to the BC and Rutgers alumni who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. pic.twitter.com/fSPfwMAwuS
— Boston College (@BostonCollege) September 11, 2026
The remembrance also reaches beyond one game. The university and Crowther’s family support a Red Bandanna 5K and ongoing efforts that highlight character, service, and community support. Those actions help turn memory into mission. They teach young people to step up, help neighbors, and respect first responders. On the 25th year since the attacks, the red bandanna in the stands became a promise: we will remember the fallen, honor courage, and pass on the values that keep America strong.
Sources:
espn.com, bc.edu, bceagles.com, boston.com
