Jessica & Nick to Duet for 9/11 Tribute

By Stephen M. Silverman

Friday September 02, 2005 09:00 AM EDT

Jason Merritt/Filmmagic

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Despite constant rumbles about the state of their marriage, Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey will display their true stripes – red, white and blue – when they sing "America the Beautiful" as part of a tribute by the National Football League to mark the fourth anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks.

Their performance, at FedEx Field in Landover, Md., where the Washington Redskins will face-off against the Chicago Bears, will air on CBS and FOX before the nine regular-season opening games on Sunday, Sept. 11, says the NFL.

Meanwhile, Lachey is stepping up his own sports profile. He will provide features as a regular contributor, including onsite appearances, on ESPN's "College GameDay," which starts its new season this Saturday.

"Nick is a huge sports fan and will add a unique perspective to the show," said Norby Williamson, ESPN senior vice president and managing editor. "He will provide wide-ranging, off-the-field features spotlighting the tradition of the game, its fans, athletes and personalities."

Joining Lachey on the program will be Desmond Howard, a 1991 Heisman Trophy winner with Michigan and 1997 Super Bowl MVP with Green Bay.