The keyword phrase "nfl sept 11" functions grammatically as a proper noun phrase. It is a compound noun where "NFL" (a proper noun acting as a specifier) modifies "Sept 11" (a proper noun representing a specific date). The phrase does not act as a verb, adjective, or adverb; its role is to name a specific, unique topic or event: the intersection of the National Football League and the events of September 11, 2001.
This phrase refers specifically to the National Football League's response to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Following the attacks, NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue made the decision to postpone all Week 2 games, which were scheduled for September 1617. This was the first time in the league's modern history that an entire week of games was postponed for reasons other than a labor strike. The canceled games were moved to the end of the regular season, which in turn pushed the entire playoff schedule and Super Bowl XXXVI back by one week.
The significance of this event extends beyond the logistical rescheduling. The NFL's decision and its subsequent return to play were seen as a pivotal part of the nation's effort to return to a sense of normalcy. When games resumed, they were marked by powerful displays of patriotism and tributes to first responders, setting a precedent for how major American sports leagues engage with national tragedies. The 2001 season culminated in Super Bowl XXXVI, which was framed by themes of patriotism and resilience, solidifying the league's role in the national healing process.
