JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md., Jan. 26, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — American overseas troops will have their own version of 50-yard front row seats as retired and current National Football League (NFL) team players, cheerleaders, and current mascots at the more than two dozen military bases around the world. The Armed Forces Entertainment (AFE) Pro Blitz Tour will kick off on February 2, 2022, as escorted troops and family members have the unique opportunity to attend clinics, shows, binge-watch and meet-and-greets, or simply hang out with NFL greats.
While activities vary by base, they generally include interactive clinics for adults and children, led by players and cheerleaders, with a focus on fitness, positivity, and teamwork.
The roster for this year’s tour includes football’s biggest names, passionate cheerleaders and animated mascots. Pro Football Hall of Famers Richard Dent, who spent most of his career with the Chicago Bears as the Defensive End, and was Super Bowl XX MVP, will join fellow Chicago Bears Offensive Tackle Jimbo Covert, an All-Pro ranked as one of the best tackles in history. professional football, and a member of the 1985 Super Bowl XX-winning team the Bears. St. Louis Rams Offensive Tackle Orlando Pace, First-Team All-Pro for the winner of the Rams of Super Bowl XXXIV, will also be part of the tour, as will St. Louis Rams Running Back Marshall Faulk, member of “The Biggest Show in Turf,” the nickname given to the team during their 1999, 2000 and 2001 record-breaking seasons. Faulk was named NFL MVP in 2000, and a player on the XXXIV Super Bowl Rams winning team. These legends will bring games and play to life for our service members, as only professionals from the field can.
Retired Minnesota Vikings Wide Receiver and acclaimed Canadian Football League player Emmanuel Arceneux will also be among the great footballers participating in the AFE Pro Blitz Tour, along with Mike Nelms, Punt Returner record holder for the Washington Redskins and member of the Super Bowl winning team XVII. . Former Washington Redskins Wide Receiver Ricky Sanders, a member of the Super Bowl XXII and XXVI winning teams, and included in the 70 Greatest Redskins, will join current player Josh Hawkins, a Cornerback for the Atlanta Falcons, and Minnesota Vikings Place Kicker Greg Yusuf.
It’s not football without cheerleaders and mascots lifting up the crowd. More than 30 cheerleaders representing the Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Denver Broncos, Indianapolis Colts, Minnesota Vikings, Philadelphia Eagles, and Seattle Seahawks will share their skills at the clinic during the tour, while team mascot Freddie Falcon of the Atlanta Falcons, Stanley Da Bear of the Chicago Bears, and Swoop of the Philadelphia Eagles, will add to the excitement.
There is something for everyone, as most visiting squads offer various activities to US military personnel, such as:
AFE Marketing & Business Analyst Brian Burke says football is a common ground for many Americans serving overseas, and that NFL games and visits like the AFE Pro Blitz mobilize troops. “This tour is a highlight for so many service members serving overseas, and is an excellent example of how these teams give back to our country,” he said.
Overseas activities begin on February 2 and run through February 23, 2022. To see more details on the Pro Blitz 2022 tour, visit afeproblitz.com.
About Armed Forces Entertainment: Armed Forces Entertainment (AFE) is the official Department of Defense agency that provides quality entertainment to U.S. military personnel serving overseas, particularly during emergency operations and in remote and isolated locations. Now in its 71st year, AFE brings a touch of home through music, sports and comedy entertainment to nearly 400,000 soldiers each year, providing our dedicated military members much-needed downtime.
For more information, schedules and downloadable images, visit: armedforcesentertainment.com.
Armed Forces Entertainment SOURCES
