Arkansas Business

This story is from the archives of ArkansasSports360.com.

Arkansas football players had a new look on their helmets Saturday. While the base was still Razorback red, the mascot decal on the side was red, white and blue.

Players, Coach Bobby Petrino joked, saw it as a great fashion statement.

“They like to style. They like to look good,” Petrino said.

Of course the decals were about more than that. They were a small part of a tribute to the events of Sept. 11, 2001, and Petrino acknowledged he was grateful that he and the team were able to participate in "Razorbacks Remember."

Military personnel back from the Middle East served as celebrity Hog Callers. Former players now serving as firefighters, guys like Kenny Sandlin and Richie Butler, held a large American flag on the field during the national anthem. Following the anthem there was a flyover from the 189^th Air Wing of the Arkansas National Guard and the Razorback Marching Band played a medley of songs as tribute to the military at halftime.

“It was really special to come here and see the Hog painted red, white and blue, the entire atmosphere,” Petrino said. “We all know what [9/11] is. We all remember that day and how hard that day was.” 

Senior guard Grant Cook ran onto the field with an American flag.

Arkansas fans also participated. They were asked to where red or white depending on the section to help create the look of an American flag (students were given blue shirts). Even Razorback mascots and cheerleaders were in red, white and blue.

Athletic Director Jeff Long said he was “proud of” his staff and fans for pulling off the tribute.

“It was a special night,” Long said. “The Hog on the field, the Hog on the helmet, it was a great night. These things are only as good as the people responding. Razorback fans responded.”