Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs will be surprising Kevin Bennett, a 34-year Marine Corps veteran, with tickets to Super Bowl LIX.
Bennett, a long-time Packers fan since the world famous Ice Bowl, will attend the game in New Orleans to watch the Kansas City Chiefs take on the Philadelphia Eagles.
Jacobs expressed his excitement about honoring military heroes like Bennett, emphasizing their status as real heroes.
The event, in collaboration with USAA, was announced during a visit to Radio Row, where Jacobs discussed the significance of awarding the tickets to a veteran with Fox News Digital.
Bennett, who served from 1971 to 2004 with numerous deployments, will share the experience with his wife, Ivette, at the Super Bowl Experience’s USAA Salute to Service Lounge.
Josh Jacobs Talks About His Own Family’s Military History
Josh Jacobs told Fox News that awarding the tickets to a Marine veteran was vital to him because of his own family’s history.
“Man, I’m excited because obviously, to me, they’re the real heroes,” Jacobs said. “My grandpa served in the Air Force and my uncle actually served in the Marines. So, for me, it’s definitely closer to home.”
“To be able sit down, talk to him, pick his brain a little bit, tell him I appreciate his service and things like that is definitely huge for me,” added Jacobs. “I think that it’s great that we highlight him and what he’s done and let him celebrate this with us.”
It’s a heartwarming gesture, for sure. And the three-time Pro Bowler says it’s just nice to be able to give back to people who make everybody’s lives a little better.
“With USAA and the Marine Corps, it’s been real big for me. It’s closer to home for me. But not only that, to be able to give back, even if it’s the slightest, or to shine light on the real heroes, I try to do that as much as I can,” he said.
“It’s a blessing and an honor to be able to work with these guys.”
Bennett Is Heading To Super Bowl LIX
For his part, Bennett is pretty stoked about the whole thing too.
“I am ecstatic,” he told the Fayetteville Observer. “I mean, this is an unbelievable opportunity that I just never saw coming. I’m blown away.”
Sometimes, good things happen to good people!
Josh Jacobs entered the NFL as the 24th overall pick in the 2019 draft by the Oakland Raiders, quickly establishing himself as one of the league’s premier running backs.
He led the NFL in rushing yards per game during his rookie season, earning him Pro Bowl nods in 2019, 2020, and 2022, as well as the PFWA Rookie of the Year award.
After five seasons with the Raiders, Jacobs signed with the Green Bay Packers, and had an outstanding season with 1,329 yards rushing and 16 total touchdowns.
Bennett served in combat missions and assignments in places like Saudi Arabia/Kuwait during Operation Desert Storm, Panama, Norway, Japan, Korea, and the Philippines.
His numerous awards include a Legion of Merit, a Meritorious Service Medal, and a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation.
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