Former West Virginia quarterback Christopher Gray was one of the thousands of lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001, in the horrid terrorist attacks; however, may we remember Gray as more than just a statistic of inhumane actions.
Gray was born on Feb. 4, 1969, and grew up in Manalapan, New Jersey. After a standout high school career, Gray was awarded a scholarship opportunity to play collegiately at West Virginia under legendary head coach Don Nehlen.
He played at WVU from 1987-1991 and although he spent most of his time in the old gold and blue as Mountaineer great Major Harris’ backup, Gray still saw action under center for West Virginia. He played eight games as a senior in 1991, accumulating 400 passing yards and a touchdown. He graduated in 1992, getting his bachelor’s degree.
After graduating, Gray got a tryout with his favorite team growing up, the Miami Dolphins, a dream come true. Yet, unfortunately for Gray, it did not end in storybook fashion and it did not progress any further than that. He achieved his master’s degree in 1994.
With his football career in the rearview, Gray went on to work as a foreign exchange broker for Cantor Fitzgerald, the job he was doing when he passed away. The offices he worked in were located on the upper floors of the North Tower, a couple of stories above the impact zone of American Airlines Flight 11. He was engaged at the time and was to be married in May of 2002.
Gray’s legacy lives on. Every Sept. 11, WVU football posts about Gray: “Today, we remember the lives lost in the tragic events of 9/11, including our own former QB Chris Gray. ” In 2003, the Chris Gray Memorial Scholarship was established at West Virginia to honor the late quarterback. Manalapan High School also honors Gray with scholarships, one academic and one athletic. Manalapan has also retired his No. 16 jersey.
We honor and remember not only Gray’s life on 9/11 but every life lost on that fateful day. May we never forget.
Photo Courtesy of WVU Athletics
