War Vets, Former NFL Stars To Compete In Indianapolis
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - The countdown to Super Bowl Sunday is on.
While the New York Giants and New England Patriots are gearing up, so are some other athletes.
A group of wounded Iraq and Afghanistan War veterans will also be taking the field in Indianapolis thanks in part to a former Steelers great.
These athletes are anything but ordinary.
They're heroes, veterans and amputees. They are brave men who were wounded while fighting for our country.
They've been traveling all over the country playing softball, but they'll tackle a different sport in Indianapolis.
They'll soon take on a team of former and current NFL players in a game of flag football.
"We have Jerry Kramer, we have Ken Dilger, Bill Brooks, Jack Youngblood, Bill Romanowski, names people may remember," Rocky Bleier said.
Bleier, a former Steelers legend and Vietnam veteran, won't be in uniform, but he does have a big hand in the upcoming game.
His company, RB VetCo, is footing the bill to bring in the wounded warriors.
He said when he was asked to sponsor the event, he didn't have to think twice.
"Having served all those years ago, in the Vietnam conflict, it has a special place in my heart. All military personal and veterans of all ages," Bleier said.
Bleier said not only does the game give the vets a fun experience, but there's a real lesson to be learned about hope and hard work.
"I'm excited because of the opportunity that it can showcase, what these young athletes are all about and what our returning veterans are all about and more importantly, what people with disabilities can do when they have their minds set to it," Bleier said.
The game is Wednesday, Feb. 1 at the Indianapolis Indoor Sports Park and tickets are just $20.
All of the money will go to the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team.
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