Twenty-five years later, the NFL community still struggles to discuss the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Deep sighs, long pauses, and cracked voices reveal the lasting pain from the tragedies in New York; Washington, D.C.; and Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

The NFL was reeling in the aftermath. Players, coaches, and officials were gripped by grief, fear, and confusion. By the time games resumed on Sept. 23, the league had experienced a look-in-the-mirror moment that many believe set up a galvanizing return for the nation.

ESPN shares the 9/11 experiences of more than a dozen people, including players, coaches, team officials, a league official, and a fan who believes his love for the New York Giants saved his life. Their memories are vivid—pride born from healing and profound sadness.

Chris Mara, now a top Giants executive, began with an apology: "Please bear with me, this isn't going to be easy. I lost four close friends that day." A quarter-century later, the effects are still felt.