NEW ORLEANS — Super Bowl LIX became a moment of reflection Sunday as first responders who responded to the deadly New Year’s Day terror attack on Bourbon Street were honored in a powerful on-field tribute.
The ceremony paid tribute to the 14 victims killed when a man, claiming allegiance to the Islamic State, drove a truck into a crowd celebrating in the early hours of Jan. 1. More than 30 others were injured, including two officers, before the suspect was killed in a shootout with police.
Super Bowl LIX honors first responders from New Orleans terror attack
Before the coin toss for the Super Bowl LIX, former Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan introduced the first responders and family members of the victims.
“On January first, our cherished French Quarter experienced an attack that shook us to the core,” said Jordan, an eight-time pro-bowl selection with the Saints. “In the face of unspeakable loss, we mourn 14 lives that were taken too soon. Tonight we come together not only to remember but to celebrate their lives and honor the brave heroes who rushed toward danger, embodying selflessness and courage.”
First responders from the New Orleans Police Department, New Orleans Emergency Services, New Orleans Fire Department, Louisiana Department of Corrections and Louisiana State Police stood together, representing those who responded in the chaos of that night. Each first responder held a photo of the 14 people who lost their lives in the attack.
Among those honored were the honorary Super Bowl LIX captains — the siblings of Tiger Bech, 27, a former Princeton University wide receiver, and the parents of Matthew Tenedorio, 25, who had worked at the Superdome and was scheduled to be on duty for the game.
Jordan also took a moment to acknowledge those affected by recent tragedies across the country.
“We are a resilient community. And we are filled with gratitude for the incredible support we have received from around the world,” he said. “Tonight we also extend our hearts to those impacted by the floods in North Carolina, the fires in California and the families grieving the loss of loved ones in the tragic plane crashes in Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia.”
President Trump meets with New Orleans first responders before Super Bowl
Before taking his seat in Saints owner Gayle Benson’s suite to watch the pregame ceremonies, President Donald Trump met with first responders and families of the victims of the New Year’s Day attack. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell was also in attendance.
“Football is America’s most popular sport — for good reason — it fosters a sense of national unity, bringing families, friends and fans together and strengthening communities. This annual tradition transcends our differences and personifies our shared patriotic values of family, faith and freedom heroically defended by our military service members, law enforcement officers and first responders. We value their devotion to protecting our great Nation and salute their selfless service,” Trump said in a statement.
President Donald Trump meets the families of the victims and first responders from the January 1st terrorist attack in New Orleans. #SBLIX pic.twitter.com/jqPRI6Oyf0
— NFL (@NFL) February 9, 2025
Trump became the first sitting U.S. president to attend a Super Bowl, ABC News reports.
Lady Gaga performs to honor first responders
Ahead of the game, a video tribute featuring Lady Gaga aired on the stadium’s screens. The singer performed “Hold My Hand” from “Top Gun: Maverick” in a prerecorded segment filmed at the attack site in New Orleans’ French Quarter.
The video was introduced by Michael Strahan, Tom Brady, New Orleans Saints owner Gayle Benson and others as they led a somber walk down Bourbon Street.
“This year began with a terror attack that tried to shatter its spirit,” Strahan said.
“But the resilience of New Orleans is matched by the resolve of our country,” Brady added. “When tragedy strikes, we don’t break. We come together. We rise above and never let evil win.”
“As we get ready for sports’ biggest day, we gather together with heavy hearts for our family and friends from North Carolina to Los Angeles, from Washington, D.C., to Philadelphia, whose last few months have left us relying on each other in ways we’d never imagined,” Strahan added.
First responders attended the performance, FOX News reports.
Free Super Bowl LIX watch party tickets for first responders in L.A.
While New Orleans first responders were honored at Super Bowl LIX, emergency personnel in Los Angeles were also recognized.
At SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Verizon gifted 3,000 first responders free tickets to the Super Bowl watch party as a token of appreciation for their heroic efforts during the devastating wildfires, KCAL reports. In addition, first responders in attendance had a special meet-and-greet opportunity with former Rams legend, Marshall Faulk.
“To all the first responders, to the ones who are here to the ones who are not here, thank you for the work that you do, because without you, a lot of the things that we do would not be possible,” Faulk told KCAL.
