In the leadup to the Army-Navy Game, USAA (presenting sponsor) and Robert Griffin III brought the game to local heroes from the Elizabeth Dole Foundation to give back to local military and veteran families at the Prince George’s Sports Complex on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024, in Landover, Md. (Joy Asico-Smith/AP Images for USAA)
LANDOVER, Md. — Nearly 100 military children and their families participated in USAA’s first Heroes Huddle on Wednesday morning at Prince George Sports Complex, Landover, Md.
USAA’s football camp highlighted military children and their families ahead of the 125th Army-Navy Game on Saturday with former NFL player Robert Griffin III providing football coaching and mentorship.
“I know the Army-Navy game 125th edition is a really big catalyst for doing this,” Griffin said. “And it’s America’s game for a reason. That’s because all of America is saying thank you to our military veterans, future, past and present.”
USAA’s golden retriever partner, Ellie (@elliegoldenlife), joined the kids as it rained down on the football field where they tested their skills in a series of NFL Combine-style drills including the 40-yard dash, broad jump, three-cone shuttle, receiving gauntlet and QB arm challenge. “In the Army, we call it ‘if it ain’t raining, we ain’t training.’ The Army and football are all weather sports, so we are going to get after it,” said Army Maj. Gen. (Ret.) John Richardson, SVP of Military Affairs, USAA.
Local kids and caregivers from military and veteran families participate in the 40-yard dash drill at “USAA’s Heroes Huddle at the Army-Navy Game” with Robert Griffin III on Dec. 11, 2024, in Landover, Md. (Joy Asico-Smith/AP Images for USAA)
Local kids and caregivers from military and veteran families participate in the QB arm accuracy drill at “USAA’s Heroes Huddle at the Army-Navy Game” with Robert Griffin III on Dec. 11, 2024, in Landover, Md. (Joy Asico-Smith/AP Images for USAA)
To close out the camp, the teams faced off in a short game where they played both defense and offense.
“To see the smiles on these kids’ faces, throwing the football around and having fun,” Griffin said. “Everybody loves football in some capacity. And that to me makes it that much more special because it’s not about me, it’s about the community.”
After the hour-long camp, the military families toured Northwest Stadium, home of the NFL Washington Commanders, as it was being prepared for the big rivalry game this weekend.
“What a great opportunity to get kids involved in something that is just exciting,” Richardson said. “They see this on television, the [NFL] Combine. … We’re just happy as USAA and thankful that we could help bring it all together.”
This event was special for Griffin because he is no stranger to military life. His parents are Army veterans who both have over 30 years of service. For Griffin, who went through his own trials and tribulations of being an Army child, it was important to engage with fellow military children and show his appreciation.
“Being a military kid ... I don’t want any of these kids or families to feel like they’re forgotten … their sacrifice and the sacrifice that their parents and their family members make allows us to be free,” Griffin said.
The military families who participated were brought locally by the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, an organization dedicated to empowering military and veteran caregivers who selflessly care for the nation’s wounded warriors.
“We want to say a special thank you to all of our hidden helpers and hidden heroes. … This is a great event, and a good way to appreciate what you do for your families, and the ways that you help every day,” said Stephen Saunders, chief development officer, Elizabeth Dole Foundation.
Army Maj. Gen. (Ret.) John Richardson, SVP of Military Affairs at USAA, and Robert Griffin III (RGIII) pose with local kids and caregivers from military and veteran families at “USAA’s Heroes Huddle at the Army-Navy Game’ with Robert Griffin III (RGIII) on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024, at Landover, Md. (Joy Asico-Smith/AP Images for USAA)
Local kids and caregivers from military and veteran families participate in the “USAA’s Heroes Huddle at the Army-Navy Game” with Robert Griffin III on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024, at Landover, Md. (Joy Asico-Smith/AP Images for USAA)
Robert Griffin III signs autographs and meets with local kids and caregivers from military and veteran families at “USAA’s Heroes Huddle at the Army-Navy Game” at Prince George’s Sports Complex on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024, at Landover, Md. (Joy Asico-Smith/AP Images for USAA)
