Luke hosts NFL Pro Bowl practice

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Grace Lee
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  NFL Pro Bowl players came to the Luke Air Force Base football field January 22 to practice and sign autographs for service members and their families.

Since 1938, the Pro Bowl has been an NFL tradition during which players are selected by the coaches, players themselves, and the fans. Players who are accepted into the Pro Bowl are considered to be elite.

This year, Pro Bowl players were separated into two teams--Team Carter, named after Chris Carter, former NFL Hall of Famer, and Team Irvin, named after Michael Irvin, former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver.

"It's a tremendous honor to be able 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 be able 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, signing autographs and talking with service members and their families. Thereafter, Team Irvin also practiced and signed autographs.

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 NFL players," 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 felt gratitude of their own.

"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 meet and greets with them. It's nice to be able to see them up front, and it was cool for us to be able to meet 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 our 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 is fun."