Introducing the inaugural USA Football Military Appreciation Week
Teamwork. Camaraderie. Dedication. Selflessness.
The parallels are clear between the necessary components for military excellence and gridiron success. Both require an individual to tirelessly sacrifice an individual’s own self-interest for the greater good, whether it be unit, team or country.
This week is the inaugural USA Football Military Week, where we’ll celebrate the shared values pervasive in both the armed forces and on football fields across the country.
Check back here each day for a recap of each day’s content exploring the powerful intersection of football and the military, and the individuals who have thrived at an intersection of the two.
MONDAY
- The Pat Tillman Foundation: honoring the legacy of an American hero
- Coach and Coordinator podcast: Ken Niumatalolo
TUESDAY
- How playing for the US National Team has helped prepare these athletes for the armed forces
- Coach and Coordinator podcast: Ted Kimmey
- Video: Redskins special teams coordinator Ben Kowitca on the parallels between football and the military
Ever wondered about the parallels between the military & football? @redskins Special Teams Coordinator Ben Kotwica explains. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/pPwvCGZn9Q
— USA Football (@usafootball) May 24, 2017
WEDNESDAY
- Why the triple option is a selfless offense—and why it's a perfect fit for the service academies
- Coach and Coordinator podcast: Leo Hand
- Video: #WednesdayWisdom: Ken Niumatalolo
Being a coach goes WAY beyond the X's & O's of the game.
— USA Football (@usafootball) May 24, 2017
It's about the life lessons. - @NavyFB HC @NAVYCoachKen 🇺🇸#WednesdayWisdom pic.twitter.com/JZpOh07mBt
- Video: Shane Parsons/Wounded Warrior Project
Words one mother will never forget. A bond one Army Sergeant will always remember. @wwp 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/3TPf5HrtcB
— USA Football (@usafootball) May 24, 2017
- Video: Retired Colonel Gary Steele
THURSDAY
- Coach and Coordinator podcast: Rob Hinson
- Military experience shaped coaching philosophy of National Teams coach Bill Williams
- Video: Air Force head coach Troy Calhoun
It's a long, hard, difficult road to do something meaningful.
— USA Football (@usafootball) May 25, 2017
But, that is how you gain perseverance & grit - @AFFootball HC @coachtcalhoun pic.twitter.com/b0K6saE4BQ
FRIDAY
- Why a HS freshmen coach drove from Boston to South Carolina to find Lou Holtz's office—and why it changed his life
- Coach and Coordinator podcast: Kevin Turco (5/26/17)
SATURDAY
- Video: Former Army Green Beret and University of Texas long snapper Nate Boyer
In the military or on the field, “I serve or I fight for those on my left and right.” 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/r6zJX2Uv4N
— USA Football (@usafootball) May 27, 2017