Boston College football’s special ‘Red Bandana’ uniforms honor 9/11 hero

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Boston College will host Rutgers for their annual Red Bandana game on Friday night in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. In a tradition that honors Welles Crowther, a Boston College graduate and volunteer firefighter who died saving lives in the South Tower on 9/11.

When the Eagles played the UCF Knights on the 10th anniversary of 9/11, fans wore red bandana stickers on their helmets. Three years later Boston College created the “red bandana game.” Tonight they will wear special red bandana-themed uniforms and helmets for the 13th consecutive year.

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Tomorrow we honor a hero who made the ultimate sacrifice. #ForWellespic.twitter.com/PsuRe2Ut6m

— Boston College Football (@BCFootball) September 10, 2026

Crowther, “The Man in the Red Bandana,” played lacrosse at Boston College before graduating and getting a job as an equities trader in New York City. He worked on the 104th story of the South Tower. The annual tribute has become one of the biggest games on the school’s schedule. Via BCEagles.com:

“This is an incredibly important game at Boston College because of the memory of Welles Crowther and what he did on that fateful day,” said football coach Bill O’Brien on Tuesday. “It means a lot to BC. It means a lot to BC alums. It means a lot to the fans. It’ll be a great atmosphere. I think it’s fitting that we’re playing a team like Rutgers, from New Jersey with a lot of New York City connections. It’s just a tradition that is like no other.”

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A documentary was made about Crowther in 2017. ESPN told Crowther’s story six years ago in another feature.

Boston College and Rutgers both come into the game at 0-1. In 2014, the year the tradition began, Boston College upset No. 1 USC.

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