Boston College, Rutgers Honor 9/11 Hero Crowther
6 sourcesUpdated Sep 12, 2026
Boston College hosted Rutgers in its annual Red Bandanna Game on the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, honoring alumnus Welles Crowther, who died after helping more than a dozen people escape the World Trade Center’s South Tower. Crowther, a former lacrosse player, equities trader and volunteer firefighter, became known as “the man in the red bandanna” for using the garment to cover his face and guide victims to safety. Boston College wore red-and-white paisley uniforms marked “FOR WELLES,” while Rutgers honored its 37 alumni killed in the attacks with “Never Forget” pants markings and American flag-themed helmet numbers. Crowther’s family attended the game, which included a video tribute and other commemorations, and he was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom days earlier.
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His family must feel proud watching the Medal of Freedom get this kind of spotlight at the game.
Seeing both teams wear special gear shows how his story still brings people together years later.
The red bandanna details on the uniforms really capture what made Crowther stand out that day.
