It’s the most wonderful time of the year: Army-Navy week! America’s best sports rivalry, the Army-Navy Game, returns to our nation’s capital for only the second time in the game’s 125-year history. Before the Black Knights of West Point and Midshipmen of the Naval Academy face off on the field, USAA (presenting sponsor of the Army-Navy Game), along with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, and former Washington Commander’s quarterback, Heisman Trophy winner and all-around great guy Robert Griffin III (aka RGIII), brought the game to local kids and caregivers from military and veteran families at “USAA’s Heroes Huddle at the Army-Navy Game.”
During this once-in-a-lifetime event, RGIII met with and mentored participating military kids from the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, many of whom help provide care to a veteran parent or grandparent. The local heroes tested their skills in a series of NFL Combine-style drills (40-yard dash, broad jump, three-cone shuttle, receiving gauntlet, and QB arm challenge) and enjoyed some friendly competition in this precursor community event to the 125th Army-Navy Game. Following the camp, the group got a VIP tour of Northwest Stadium as preparations are being finalized for America’s Game.
RGIII was born in Okinawa and grew up in a military family; both parents served as U.S. Army sergeants. In an interview with USAA, RGIII explained what this event meant to him: “To be a part of this Heroes Huddle, first time ever, means something to me. I’ve always looked at USAA as a phenomenal partner, just because of my military background. I’m a military brat — both Mom and Dad served 34 years and the one thing I said when I went pro was that I was never going to forget about the military, never forget where I came from. So, to be able to partner with them during the 125th Army-Navy game … everybody knows it’s America’s game, but I think it’s really a massive thank you to all of our military members, our military caregivers and our future military members… to say thank you for giving us the freedom to play football, to have a good time, to have free speech … none of this is possible if it wasn’t for our military. It’s special and USAA understands that and that’s why I’m proud to be a part of it.”
When asked who he’ll be cheering for this weekend, RGIII didn’t hesitate. “With two Army parents, I don’t think we’ll be cheering for the Navy… we appreciate their service and we appreciate all the sacrifices they make, but not on America’s game. Not on that day! It’s all about the Army and we’re looking forward to getting that win!
The fact the Elizabeth Dole Foundation is able to help 14.3 million military members, caretakers, the brothers, the sisters, the aunts, the uncles, the family members, the friends, that’s really what keeps us going. When those military members come back, they need someone to care for them… both USAA and the Elizabeth Dole Foundation are committed to doing that. It’s why I’m so honored to be a partner with them, it’s why I’m here today, whether it’s rain, hail, sleet or snow we’re going to make sure we have some fun and play some football because at the end of the day who doesn’t love football and who doesn’t love our military?”
With an attitude like that, who doesn’t love RGIII? Follow WATM all week for Army-Navy content as we join USAA at Media Row on Friday and on the sidelines at the game on Saturday. And, you can catch RGIII on Christmas Day on Netflix as the streaming giant hosts its first NFL game day commentary.