TUA TAGOVAILOA IS HELPING SEND A VETERAN TO THE SUPER BOWL
Going to the Super Bowl can mean different things to different people. To some, it’s the ultimate sports spectacle that transcends even football providing plenty of opportunities for entertainment. For others, it’s the ultimate opportunity to prove yourself on the gridiron. This year, for Tua Tagovailoa, the dream of winning the Lombardi Trophy came short after falling to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Wild Card Round 26-7. However, he’s still going to the Big Game and making an impact. Tagovailoa, USAA, and the Marine Corps Association came together to deliver tickets to Veteran John Jones for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Las Vegas on February 11, 2024. Best of all, Tua is not alone in this incredible initiative to give back to our nation’s heroes. Suggested read: Super Bowl Flyover Navy Tradition Pumps Up Sports Fans
Tagovailoa, USAA, and the Marine Corps Association Are Making the Super Bowl a Reality for Veteran
Tua Tagovailoa is always making an impact on the field with the Miami Dolphins. Now, he’s still making a difference, only this time, it’s in the life of a Marine Veteran. While Tagovailoa won’t be playing in Super Bowl LVIII, he’ll be in the building. Together with USAA and the Marine Corps Association, Veteran John Jones, a Marine who served our country is going to get to watch his favorite team, the San Francisco 49ers, play in Las Vegas. Reaching the rank of Staff Sergeant, Jones medically retired in 2007 after enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1995. Deployments in the Middle East, Europe, and Asia would unfortunately end with a severe injury. This injury ended up costing Jones both of his legs below the knees. Allegiant Stadium is going to be rocking as the Chiefs and Niners battle it out as the 2023-24 NFL season’s apex is put center stage. Jones will be in attendance as well as his brother. Today, Jones works as the VP for Project Healing Waters, where the group helps others work through post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) using fly fishing. While Miami Dolphins Tua Tagovailoa is helping bring a decorated Veteran to the Super Bowl, he isn’t the only football player doing so. Several other players are also partnering to bring Veterans along for similar Super Bowl trips in Vegas.
Other Stars Continue to Pay It Forward to the Military Community
The military community and football have a deep connection. This is why it’s no surprise that USAA and other organizations, such as the American Legion, are teaming up with multiple NFL players to bring Veterans to the Super Bowl. Tua Tagovailoa’s announcement for Jones was one example, but many others are also bringing Veterans to the game. This includes Atlanta Falcon running back Bijan Robinson who surprised another Marine Veteran, Mark Cauble. Cauble was a Sergeant for nine years and also got two tickets to the Big Game. He is bringing his girlfriend to Allegiant Stadium to join in on the fun. Additionally, Houston Texans rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud is another playing giving back to Veterans thanks to his collaboration with USAA and the Air & Space Forces Association that is delivering Veteran Marine Craig Mazeska, a Purple Heart recipient, Super Bowl tickets for him and his son. Several others are joining in, such as Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, including Jimmy Garoppolo, Puka Nacua, and TJ Watt. Even former All-Pro tight end Rob Gronkowski is getting in on the action. Related read: 99 Year-Old Veteran Honored During 49ers Playoff Game
Tua Tagovailoa Miami Dolphins Dreams Dashed, But Other Dreams Were Realized
While these players may not be participating in the big game on Sunday, their commitment to making other's dreams come true is inspiring. Giving back to the military community can come in all shapes and forms. Although most of us don’t have access to free Super Bowl tickets, small gestures can make a huge impact. Our nation’s Vets are more than deserving of whatever we can do to help give back. Tua Tagovailoa providing tickets is a reminder that we can all find ways to bless the heroes that keep us free. Read next: Homeless Veterans on the Rise in 2024, VA Ramps Up Housing Efforts