Sold out Melbourne crowd stands for 25th anniversary commemoration of 9/11 at NFL's first Australia game

The NFL conducted its 25th anniversary 9/11 memorial during its first regular season game in Australia between the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers. The pregame ceremony at the Melbourne Cricket Ground included a joint contingent of U.S. and Australian military personnel and musical performances. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell recalled the events of 9/11 and the league’s subsequent decision to pause games.

• The NFL’s 25th anniversary 9/11 memorial took place in Melbourne, Australia, during the league’s first regular season game there.
• The ceremony featured the singing of the “Star-Spangled Banner” by Infinity Song and “Advance Australia Fair” by Cody Simpson.
• U.S. Marines and sailors participated alongside members of the Australian Defence Force in honoring the anniversary.
• The NFL Foundation supported week-long activities for military families, including a ceremony at Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance.
• Commissioner Roger Goodell shared his memories of 9/11 and the league’s decision to postpone games that year.
• The NFL will continue its 9/11 commemoration during Week 1 games in 2026.