NEW YORK, NY. – Boston College’s participation in the Pinstripe Bowl this year transcends the football field, carrying profound emotional and historical significance tied to the legacy of Welles Crowther, the alumnus famously known as “The Man in the Red Bandanna.” This year’s game, set in New York City, offers a poignant opportunity to honor Crowther’s heroism near the site of his extraordinary actions during the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
A Special Tribute at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum
On Thursday, December 26, at 9:30 a.m., Boston College Head Football Coach Bill O’Brien and the Eagles football team will pay tribute to Welles Crowther during their visit to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. Crowther, a Boston College graduate, former lacrosse player, equities trader, and volunteer firefighter, is remembered for saving at least a dozen lives during the attacks.
The team will be joined by Alison Crowther, Welles’ mother, at the bronze parapets where Welles’ name is etched in remembrance. In a moving gesture, they will place a red bandanna on his inscription, symbolizing his bravery and selflessness, before entering the museum. Situated at the footprints of the original Twin Towers, the museum offers a profound experience of 9/11 through media, narratives, and artifacts that detail stories of loss, recovery, and resilience.
The Story of Welles Crowther
Welles Crowther graduated from Boston College in 1999 and was a standout lacrosse player. After college, he worked as an equities trader on the 104th floor of the South Tower of the World Trade Center. On September 11, 2001, amid the chaos of the attacks, Crowther used his trademark red bandanna as a mask to protect himself and others from smoke as he guided multiple people to safety. Survivors credited him with saving their lives, and his heroism became widely known after their accounts emerged. Tragically, Crowther perished when the tower collapsed, but his legacy of courage and selflessness continues to inspire.
Boston College’s Red Bandanna Tradition
Boston College celebrates Crowther’s life and legacy each year through its annual Red Bandanna Game, a tradition that began in 2014 with a memorable 37-31 upset of No. 9 USC. This season, the Eagles secured an emotional 23-19, come-from-behind victory over Michigan State in the rain at Alumni Stadium during the Red Bandanna Game, embodying the resilience and determination that Crowther’s story represents.
Welles’ parents, Alison and the late Jefferson Crowther, have played an integral role in preserving their son’s legacy. The Welles Remy Crowther Charitable Trust was established in his memory to recognize and support academic and athletic excellence in young people who demonstrate a commitment to community service. The trust’s initiatives include the Welles Crowther Red Bandanna 5K, which brings the Boston College community together annually to honor his values.
A Game Beyond the Gridiron
For Boston College, competing in the Pinstripe Bowl near the heart of New York City—the site of Welles Crowther’s heroic actions—is far more than just a football game. It is a chance to continue sharing Crowther’s inspiring story, celebrate his legacy, and remind the world of the values of bravery, compassion, and service that he so powerfully embodied. Through their tribute at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum and their performance on the field, the Eagles will honor “The Man in the Red Bandanna” in a way that resonates far beyond the confines of the stadium.