For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
September 9, 2001

Remarks by the President
For National Football League's Opening Day Coin Toss
the Rose Garden

1:01 P.M. EDT

     THE PRESIDENT:  We're here in the Rose Garden to help kick-off the NFL's 82nd season.  This is a great day for fans.  And I want to salute the NFL for its long history, lasting influence and the quality of its athletes.

     I'm glad to be joined by members of Washington's Metropolitan Police Boys and Girls Club -- all future NFL greats.

     And, now, to officially begin the NFL's 82nd season, the coin toss. This is heads; this is tails.  Here we go.

     (The President tosses the coin.)

     It's tails.  I wish the players of the NFL good health and have a great season.

                           END                       1:02 P.M.