Watch CBS News

Giants' Coughlin On WFAN: Osama Bin Laden's Death 'Takes Your Breath Away'

NEW YORK (WFAN) -- The helpless anguish of September 11, 2001 hits home for Giants head coach Tom Coughlin.

His son, Tim, was on the 60th floor of the South Tower when New York City was attacked. Tim was one of the fortunate survivors, though Coughlin, employed by the Jacksonville Jaguars at the time, wouldn't know the fate of his son for hours.

Coughlin sounded shaken on Monday when discussing the stunning news of Osama bin Laden's death.

LISTEN: Tom Coughlin with Mike Francesa

On WFAN with Mike Francesa, Coughlin called yesterday, "A day which will long be remembered in the fight against terrorism."

"It's not an easy thing to put into words because of all the emotions that run when you think of the flag, when you think of 9/11, when you think of Ground Zero, when you think of all the people who've been affected," Coughlin also said on Sirius NFL Radio. "Just the reaction of the American people has just has been an incredible thing for us to witness."

Coughlin was especially touched by the overnight celebrations in Times Square and the chants of "U-S-A!" that rang through Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.

"One of the things that does put the goosebumps on top of goosebumps is the reaction of all Americans to this news and what's going on on the college campuses, what has taken place spontaneously in down town New York City and Washington, D.C., to the Mets-Phillies game last night," he said. "It just about takes your breath away."

He added: "You think of the patriotism, you think of the sacrifices that have been made by our servicemen and women who have put their lives on the line every day and who need our tremendous support -- and will always get it from me -- and I'm sure from many, many Americans. But to think that this has been accomplished, and that this individual has paid the ultimate price, and hopefully we will continue to be able to dismantle al Qaeda and any terrorist organization."

What are your thoughts on the death of bin Laden? Sound off in the comments below...

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.