SF's NFL Alumni To Take On Wounded Warrior Amputee Football Team in San Mateo

The following was submitted for publication by the City of San Mateo:

Big games come and go, but only one will showcase the bravery and perseverance of those who have sacrificed so much for our country. The Wounded Warrior Amputee Football Team (WWAFT) plays at College of San Mateo on Super Bowl Saturday, February 6th, matching up veterans that have lost limbs in Afghanistan or Iraq with more than 40 NFL Alumni. Nowhere else in the Bay Area during Super Bowl week will you experience such a moving, heartfelt game than at CSM’s College Heights Stadium.

It’s easy to get excited about the NFL greats and celebrities that will take to the field. Pittsburgh Steelers four-time Super Bowl champion and Vietnam Veteran, Rocky Bleier, co-hosts the game with CSM and Niner’s alum, Bill Ring. In fact, the San Francisco Forty-Niners will be well represented throughout the game. Home team champions include Dan Bunz, Derrick Deese, Chris Draft, William Floyd, Bill Romanowski, Dana Stubblefield, and Spencer Tillman, while former Los Angeles Raider, Bob Golic, brings a bit of a rivalry to the field. Snoop Dogg and alumni from the Broncos, Browns, Colts, Eagles, Falcons, Rams, Packers, Patriots, and more will play alongside our local heroes. But, the moment of inspiration comes when the group of veterans, all amputees, face-off at the 50-yard line. These modern-day warriors will defend their team as bravely as they defended our country in combat.

“Humana is proud to be a long-time sponsor of the Wounded Warrior Amputee Football Team and their efforts to inspire audiences across the U.S.,” said Mark El-Tawil, Humana’s West Division Leader. “The theme of these charity football games ties in nicely with Humana’s efforts to hire veterans, which was expanded to include wounded warriors. To date, we’ve hired more than 2,600 veterans and/or military spouses.”

“This is a momentous event for San Mateo and we want all participants to have a memorable, yet safe experience,” says San Mateo Police Chief, Susan Manheimer. “San Mateo’s Police and Fire Departments and College of San Mateo’s Public Safety Department are committed to providing a safe and enjoyable environment for all attending. Our priority is to keep all attendees and participants safe during the game.”

To provide a safe environment for the public and expedite entry into College Heights Stadium at CSM, WWAFT, the City, and College have implemented a policy limiting the size and type of bags allowed into the stadium. Essentially, leave all purses, backpacks, computer bags, camera cases, and luggage of any kind at home. For this event, attendees are only able to carry bags that are clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC and not exceeding a size of 12”x6”x12” into the stadium. Law enforcement and public safety will be present at each of the entrance gates conducting random bag checks. More information about safety procedures can be found onCSM’s event page.

“The safety plan coincides with NFL standards and ensures the safety and security of all attending,” says Rob Dean, Director of Public Safety, San Mateo Community College District. “Everyone’s cooperation will help to expedite random bag checks and will create a safer atmosphere.”

San Mateo is an exceptional community and has a long history of supporting veterans as well as those serving in active military duty. The Wounded Warrior Amputee game provides an opportunity to show further support to all those who serve. All proceeds from the game benefit the Wounded Warrior Amputee Football Team and disabled veteran initiatives in the Bay Area. Please consider making a donation during the game or by visiting the Wounded Warrior Amputee website.

During the game, interact with NFL players and veterans. Get free autographs, take photos, and participate in a raffle for a chance to win autographed NFL memorabilia such as jerseys, helmets, and footballs from the Niners, Raiders, and other teams.

The City of San Mateo and College of San Mateo will host the Wounded Warrior Amputee football game, presented by Humana and the Military Benefit Association. Tickets are $10 for adults and free for students and children. Plan ahead for inclement weather and plan to arrive early as traffic may be heavier than usual upon entering the College. Gates to the game open at 11:00 a.m. For more information and for tickets, please visit CSM’s website or www.wwaft.org.

(Image via Shutterstock)