The Wounded Warrior Amputee Football Team and National Football League alumni participated in a charity flag football game -- named a ‘Game of Honor’ -- at Shadow Mountain High School here yesterday.
The wounded warriors’ team is comprised of men and women who lost limbs while serving in Iraq or Afghanistan and have traditionally played NFL alumni and other celebrities during Super Bowl Week, where they are 9-0.
In addition to former NFL players, a familiar face also took the opportunity to record a “shoutout” to be shown to troops overseas during the Super Bowl. Former Sergeant Major of the Army Jack Tilley offered his thanks flanked by NFL Hall of Fame defensive end Jack Youngblood.
“We want to thank you guys for what you do overseas,” Tilley said. “God Bless you. Hooah!”
Celebrities Attend Tribute Game
Celebrities such as the charity game’s headliner, rap artist Snoop Dogg, and Daz Dillinger attended the tribute game and expressed their gratitude to servicemen and women overseas before the game began.
“This is big Snoop Dogg sending a message to all our troops overseas watching the Super Bowl – enjoy yourself and have fun,” Snoop said. “Thank ya’ll for giving us … our freedom. Peace.”
Snoop’s cousin and fellow hip-hop artist Daz Dillinger also gave a “shoutout” to U.S. troops serving abroad.
“My name is Daz Dillinger,” he said. “I want to give a shoutout to everybody over there -- [all] the troops. This is a NFL weekend, and it’s D-A to the Z, and I’m hosting a commercial right here. Holla at ya’ll, holla at me. Love ya’ll; let’s keep it going [with] football.”
Football Stars Salute Troops’ Service
Athletes with ties to the state of Arizona also took time to encourage service members to stay safe and enjoy the Super Bowl.
“I just want to wish you guys the best,” said Todd Heap, a former tight end for the NFL Arizona Cardinals and Baltimore Ravens.
“Enjoy the Super Bowl,” he said. “We’re out here in support of wounded warriors, and we’re going to have a great time playing this game.”
“I want to wish you guys the best,” Heap said. “We really appreciate what you do for our country. [And] the fact that we can come out here and play this game; live in this free land. We really appreciate all that you do. Thank you, and I hope it’s a good game.”
Jake “the Snake” Plummer, former starting quarterback for the NFL Arizona Cardinals and Denver Broncos, gave his heartfelt thanks to troops during a shoutout as well.
“We’re here tonight to honor you and your compadres,” he said. “It’s going to be a nice night. I’m honored … to be here, and humbled by your service for our country. Come back safe. God bless.”
Rounding out the celebrities was ESPN sports anchor and radio host, Kenny Mayne, a Washington state native who gave his well wishes and an indication of his Super Bowl allegiances.
“Kenny Mayne here playing in the Wounded Warriors Flag [Football] game before the Super Bowl,” he said, “wishing you guys a safe and happy Super Bowl as you watch overseas and defend our country -- especially you Seattle fans. You’re with me. Go Seahawks!”
(Follow Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone Marshall on Twitter: @MarshallDoDNews)