The Kickoff Game was introduced in the 2002 season , under the leadership of then – NFL marketing executive John Collins and then – NFL Senior Vice President of Special Events Jim Steeg . It was conceived as an effort to boost economic recovery in the New York and Washington areas in the wake of 9/11 . It was considered a success , increasing NFL sponsorships by $ 1.9 billion over the next 14 months
9/11
September 11 attacks
NFL Kickoff Game