New York Knicks pay homage to NYC firefighters with new uniforms
The New York Knicks debuted their new uniforms paying tribute to the fire department, and they are awesome.
Too often we hear about all of the bad things that go on in sports. It often dominates the headlines. To combat this, we must emphasize when good things happen, and the New York Knicks got this one absolutely right. I know, it’s hard to believe we are saying that about James Dolan’s franchise but it is true.
On January 30, Jeff Hornacek’s squad debuted their new uniforms that pay tribute to the NYC firefighters. According to NBA.com, the team will wear these jerseys for their six remaining weekend home games. They will also donate tickets to local fire departments so fire fighters can come to MSG and have a special experience.
First, just take a look at these uniforms, and the players reactions:
Bigger than basketball. The debut of our Knicks City Edition jersey represents a tribute to the heart, hustle, and resiliency of our NYC Firefighters and their families.
Posted by New York Knicks on Tuesday, January 30, 2018
Did you notice how taken aback these players were when they saw the jersey in their lockers? It was just such a great raw reaction. Not only were they taken aback by the look of the uniform, they were also humbled by it. What the Knicks are doing is honoring the REAL heroes of the city. As much as we like to believe otherwise, it’s not the athletes that are the heroes, it’s our first responders.
Here is an example of the experience that will be at an upcoming game, from the NBA.com article:
"Prior to the Knicks game on Saturday, March 31 vs. Detroit, the team will hold the first ever New York Knicks 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. This event will be open to 343 participants to climb or walk the equivalent to 110 flights of stairs, paying tribute to the 343 FDNY firefighters who passed away on September 11, 2001. The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) organizes and executes 9/11 Memorial Stair Climbs all over the country."
What a great tribute, huh?
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Sure, we say the NBA is looking for another way to make money with these alternative jerseys. However, in this case the team will be making charitable donations to support these very same firefighters. Unlike the NFL and the color rush uniforms, these actually have an altruistic purpose to them. Good job by the Knicks and the NBA.