Photo By Master Sgt. Staci Kasischke | Robert Quinn, St. Louis Rams defensive end assigned to Pro Bowl Team Irvin, poses on...... read more read more
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LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. - NFL Pro Bowl players came to the Luke Air Force Base football field Jan. 21 to practice and sign autographs for service members and their families.
Since 1938, the Pro Bowl has been an NFL tradition where players considered to be the best are selected by the coaches, players themselves and fans to play.
This year, Pro Bowl players were separated into two teams — Team Carter, named after Chris Carter, NFL Hall of Famer, and Team Irvin, named after Michael Irvin, former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver.
“It’s a tremendous honor to come practice in front of the men and women who serve this country,” said Justin Forsett, Team Carter player and Baltimore Ravens running back. “For us to sign some autographs and put smiles on their faces is what it’s all about.”
The event began at 10 a.m. with Team Carter practicing followed by Team Irvin. After the practices, players signed autographs and talked with service members and their families.
For many, it was their first time being up-close and personal with NFL players, making it a memorable experience.
“I’m extremely excited to watch them practice today, because I’ve never gotten so close to an NFL player,” said Airman 1st Class Kirsten Berman, 56th Medical Support Squadron pharmacy technician. “My favorite player out here today is Drew Brees, because he’s the quarterback of the Saints and I think he’s the best.”
For the players, the opportunity to say thank you to the troops is what it was all about, but the Airmen were grateful as well.
“This is awesome,” said Staff Sgt. Maribel Curtis, 56th Equipment Maintenance Squadron armament weapons troop. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us to get to meet them. It’s nice to see them up front and was cool to talk to them.”
While Luke is only minutes from the University of Phoenix stadium, home to the Arizona Cardinals, it is not often the players get an opportunity to personally interact with Luke Airmen.
“It feels great to be out here today,” said Calais Campell, Arizona Cardinals defensive end. “It’s awesome to be able to see the troops since there’s no way to really express our gratitude for what they do for us. Coming out and hanging out with them, signing autographs and seeing the smiles on their faces ... you know, it’s fun.”
| Date Taken: | 01.22.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 01.23.2015 12:06 |
| Story ID: | 152568 |
| Location: | LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, ARIZONA, US |
| Hometown: | BALTIMORE, MARYLAND, US |
| Hometown: | PHOENIX, ARIZONA, US |
| Web Views: | 82 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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