Resource Guide

Amputee football team takes on NFL alumni of Texas in San Antonio

  • Published
SAN ANTONIO --  The Wounded Warrior Amputee Football Team will challenge the NFL Alumni of Texas in a "Game of Honor" flag football game Sept. 10, beginning at 6 p.m. at Toyota Field here.

"Many of us with the WWAFT were cared for here in San Antonio at Brooke Army Medical Center and at the Center For The Intrepid, and it is a privilege for all of us amputee veterans to be able to 'return home' to share in this evening with San Antonio to show our appreciation to this community for all that you have done for us and to show the nation that with your help and care, amputee veterans can accomplish anything - including whupping up on these NFL alumni," said BJ Ganem, medically retired from the Marine Corps and now WWAFT co-captain.

The WWAFT is composed of more than 25 men and women who served in the U.S. military and who suffered the loss of a limb in the conflicts in Iraq or Afghanistan. The team's record is 8-0 vs. the NFL alumni, having defeated NFL alums most recently in Philadelphia and also in Tampa, Atlanta, Washington, Green Bay, and at the last three Super Bowls. More than 25 NFL alumni, led by Cowboy Hall-of-Famer Randy White and Oiler great Dan Pastorini, will take on these amputee heroes. The mission statement for the team is simply to demonstrate that "the loss of a limb doesn't mean the end of an athletic career or an active life."

Additionally, this game and tribute Sept. 10 is intended to recognize all those who enlisted after 9/11, and who knowingly put themselves in harm's way to defend the nation. It will also honor the sacrifice of all of the men and women of the armed forces, particularly all of San Antonio's Gold Star families. The WWAFT is also supporting and bringing out as its guests all of San Antonio's special-needs children and adults in a partnership with Morgan's Wonderland, Gordon Hartman and the San Antonio Scorpions.

Gates open at 6 p.m., and tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students. All military and special-needs families of San Antonio will be admitted at no charge. The WWAFT is a nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization.

For more information on WWAFT, click here.