On the eve of their potential journey to the National Football League, two of the NFL Draft’s top prospects took time out to honor and appreciate the nation’s military.
University of Texas running back Bijan Robinson and Northwestern offensive lineman Peter Skoronski took time away during their career-making week to participate in a “day in the life” experience at Whiteman Air Force Base outside of Kansas City, Missouri in partnership with USAA, the Official NFL Salute to Service partner.
“I think it was such a blessing to have the opportunity to see everyone here from the military,” Robinson said.
Robinson, drafted No. 8 to the Atlanta Falcons, and Skoronski, drafted no. 11 to the Tennessee Titans, rode in a Missouri National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter whose flight path took it over downtown Kansas City, including the site of the NFL draft.
Robinson added that he had never flown in a helicopter before.
“I’m ready for the experience, for sure,” he said.
“Just to see where we’re going to get drafted is awesome,” added Skoronski.
Robinson and Skoronski both have close family ties to the military. Skoronski is the grandson of Air Force veteran Bob Skoronski, a Green Bay Packers Hall of Famer and five-time NFL champion under Vince Lombardi.
Bob Skoronski missed two NFL seasons following his rookie year to serve in the Air Force.
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They also toured U.S. Air Force warplanes, including the B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber and the A-10 Warthog.
“Honestly, this is so much bigger than what I’m doing in my life,” said Skoronki.
Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.
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