NEW YORK - Video messages from US President Barack Obama and ex-president George W. Bush will be shown at Sunday's NFL games as part of the league's commemoration of the 15th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
There will be extra scrutiny on how NFL players react during the playing of the US anthem on 9/11 after San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick refused to stand at previous games
The NFL said Friday that special tributes paying homage to the nearly 3,000 people who died will be staged at each game, along with inspirational messages encouraging hope and unity.
"Prior to each game this Sunday, fans across the country will see video messages from President Barack Obama and president George W. Bush," the league said in a statement.
"Each club will have special guests on field for pre-game activities and the playing of the national anthem. Among the special guests that clubs are hosting are first responders, community volunteers, hometown heroes and members of the military."
In Philadelphia, where the Eagles will entertain Cleveland in one of the earlier starts, Vice President Joe Biden will join 120 first responders in holding the American flag during the playing of "The Star-Spangled Banner."
There will be extra scrutiny on how NFL players react during the playing of the US anthem after San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick refused to stand. The Seattle Seahawks have indicated they will act as a team to send their own message.
Denver Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall refused to stand for the anthem before Thursday's NFL season-opening game against Carolina, kneeling in support of collegiate teammate Kaepernick.
Bush will be in Dallas for the Cowboys' home game against the New York Giants and will make the pre-game coin toss, accompanied on the field by wife Laura and two New York police officers who responded to the attacks at the Twin Towers in 2001.
Coaching staff with all teams will be supplied with 9/11 lapel pins and a special 9/11 decal will be placed on the helmets of all players.
NFL Films taped the presidential messages last month with Obama at the White House and Bush in Dallas.