Super Bowl LIX Pays Tribute to New Orleans Terror Attack Victims and Heroes

On the Super Bowl of 2025, on Sunday, only a few short days after a truck terrorized New Orleans Bourbon Street, killing 14 people and injuring dozens more, the victims, as well as first responders, were honored.

New Orleans hosted the Super Bowl for the 11th year in a row. The usual festive atmosphere of the Super Bowl was replaced with a solemn salute to those who died and those who were heroic during the New Year’s Day disaster.

First responders from the New Orleans Police Department, New Orleans EMS, New Orleans Fire Department, Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections, and Louisiana State Police took the field for the Super Bowl coin toss on Sunday, each holding a photo of one of the 14 victims lost in the attack. Virginia Bech, Jack Bech, Sofie Bech, Cathy Tenedorio, and Louis Tenedorio served as honorary captains for the toss, while other victims’ family members attended the game. During the on-field tribute, New Orleans Saints defensive end Cam Jordan acknowledged their presence and honored their loved ones.

Jordan acknowledged the victims of recent disasters, including the floods and fires that have affected the U.S.

He said: “Together we heal, and we will always carry your memory.”

Although the NFL has not revealed the details of this ceremony, Brian McCarthy, the league’s spokesperson stated that the NFL “will honor victims and first-responders appropriately” before the game.

Over 75,000 people were expected to watch the game on television.

During the Sugar Bowl, a college football playoff game that was delayed a day due to the attack, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell led a moment of silence before the game, also played at the Superdome, and former President Joe Biden addressed the crowd in a video statement, saying, “The spirit of New Orleans can never be kept down.”

Last Thursday, Super Bowl teams as well as the New Orleans Saints surprised survivors with tickets to their game.

Stevey Kells received tickets for the Saints game on Monday from Saints linebacker Demario Davis and a furniture company. She was the nurse who provided first aid to victims of the attack.

“It’s a resilient city. That response began with the first responders, those who were on scene and those who had to react quickly, and she was there,” Davis told reporters after presenting Kells the tickets. “So, it means a lot. To be able to give back to somebody who’s given so much, was awesome. That’s what it’s all about.”

Eagles players presented Super Bowl tickets for Ryan Quigley. He was an injured former Princeton University Football Player and Eagles fan whose friend Martin “Tiger Bech” was killed.

Eagles Brandon Graham surprised Quigley with two Super Bowl tickets last week after inviting Quigley’s sister and Bech to the Eagles practice facility in Philadelphia.

“We wanted to tell you the real reason we brought you. It’s OK if you’re not feeling it, but we would love to have you down for the Super Bowl,” Graham told Quigley in a video the team shared on its Facebook page.

In a video, Quigley said that Bech, his best friend, was the “biggest Eagles fan”.

In the video, Quigley tells Graham he attended all home games in 2011 with Graham. “I promised him I’d take him to the Super Bowl if we won. I’d do everything to take him. “

Officials claim that the Super Bowl was held under strict security. Over 2,700 law enforcement officers from state, federal, and local agencies were present to ensure the security of the Super Bowl.

Cathy Lanier said, at a news conference on Monday, that the NFL’s Chief Security Officer had reviewed the events of January 1. They have reevaluated our roles within the overall security plan. We have re-evaluated and re-reviewed our communication protocols, emergency response plans, timing, and contingency plans.

Kristi Noem is the Secretary of Homeland Security at the Department of Homeland Security. She said that 700 Homeland Security officers from the Department of Homeland Security will be in New Orleans for the game to increase security. Noem said that additional personnel could be added if necessary.

Noem said, “This Super Bowl is a great example of how we as a community come together to protect our tradition and ensure that our public is informed and that they have the chance to celebrate something special for us, to our culture, to our people, and their families. “