The Pictures

The DAY TO REMEMBER

Before the kickoff against the Cowboys on Sept. 11, Jets receiver Jeremy Kerley (11) and teammates paused to pay tribute to the victims of the 9/11 attacks.

The LEAP

Not since MJ has a tongue wagged the postseason like Dirk Nowitzki's did in June, when the Grand Teuton averaged 27.7 points in victories over the Trail Blazers, Lakers, Thunder and Heat to lift Dallas to its first NBA title.

The COMEBACK

Twice in last spring's Stanley Cup playoffs, the Bruins dropped the first two games of a series, including in the finals against the Canucks. Milan Lucic (17) and Boston, however, righted themselves, toppling Dan Hamhuis (2) and Vancouver in seven games to win their first Cup since 1972.

The MILESTONE

Despite a prolonged slump to start the season, Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter was still capable of some twilit brilliance; on July 9, he reached the 3,000-hit plateau—with a home run off the Rays' David Price—and hit .327 after the All-Star break.

The REIGN

Linebacker Diyral Briggs celebrated the Packers' 31--25 win over the Steelers in Super Bowl XLV, and the headlines would keep streaming into December as Green Bay won its first 13 games.