Geno Smith honors 9/11 first responder in season opener

When the New York Jets opened their season against the Cincinnati Bengals, quarterback Geno Smith honored a 9/11 first responder.

On Sunday, September 11, quarterback Geno Smith of the New York Jets commenced his 2nd annual “7 Sunday Heroes” program to kick off the 2016-17 season. The series of unique game day experiences organized by Smith brings inspirational individuals from Tuesday’s Children and other impactful organizations to Jets’ home games throughout the regular season.

For each game, the hero selected and a guest will be gifted two tickets, club passes, a post-game session with Smith and an autographed jersey along with other merchandise. “I am very fortunate to be able to continue the success of last year’s 7 Sunday Heroes program by giving back to another seven inspirational individuals throughout this season,” said Smith via Tuesday’s Children.

“With the support of Roc Nation Sports and the Jets’ community relations team, we are able to build off the work that we started a year ago and create an unforgettable few hours for these heroes to put life’s difficulties aside and enjoy some football. Meeting the seven children heroes we hosted last year had a lasting impact on me and I can’t wait to get to know this year’s group of heroes.”

Smith hosted the first of this year’s heroes, Timothy Morley, on Sunday, September 11 during the Jets’ home opener against the Cincinnati Bengals. Roc Nation Sports worked with Tuesday’s Children to nominate Morley, a September 11 first responder, to attend the game with his son Patrick, on the 15th anniversary of 9/11.

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On September 11, 2001, Morley was in downtown Manhattan for an NYPD training seminar when the first plane hit the South Tower of the World Trade Center.

Morley reported to an emergency unit at Port Authority to help with first aid, extractions, and evacuations in the North Tower.

As his team was attempting to exit the tower the building collapsed, burying Morley and his team under a fire truck.

After spending two months in the hospital recovering, Morley valiantly returned to work at Ground Zero and the Brooklyn Narcotics Unit.

Following 12 more years working for the NYPD, Morley retired three years ago due to health issues related to his brave actions on that fateful day.  Today, Morley is fortunate to have a strong support network in his wife and three children.

“Things like this don’t happen to me that often. I was really surprised to find out that I was chosen to be a part of Geno’s 7 Sunday Heroes program,” said Morley. “I was just doing my job 15 years ago. Talking with Geno and taking the time to reflect on that day has reminded me to count my blessings and to focus on being positive. My family and I enjoyed the game and meeting Geno. It made our day and it’s a memory we will have for the rest of our lives!”

Smith’s 7 Sunday Heroes will continue to unveil its heroes throughout an additional five regular season home games including October 2 vs. Seattle Seahawks, October 23 vs. Baltimore Ravens, November 13 vs. Los Angeles Rams (two heroes will be selected to attend), November 27 vs. New England Patriots, and January 1 vs. Buffalo Bills.

Tuesday’s Children was founded to promote long-term healing in all those directly impacted by the events of Tuesday, September 11, 2001. Our mission today is to keep the promise to those children and families while serving and supporting communities affected by acts of terror worldwide. Tuesday’s Children offers a time-tested, long-term approach—forged in the aftermath of 9/11—that enables families and communities torn apart by tragedy to heal, recover, and thrive for a lifetime. Since 2001, Tuesday’s Children has helped more than 10,000 individuals impacted by the 9/11 tragedy, including: families of 9/11 victims, responders and military service members; international youth; and local communities recovering from tragedy. For more information, please visit www.tuesdayschildren.org.

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