Windy City Gridiron
Yesterday, in what has become an annual training camp event at Halas Hall, the Chicago Bears and USAA hosted over a hundred active duty military members from nearby Naval Station Great Lakes for USAA’s Salute to Service NFL Boot Camp.
The military members were guests at camp to participate in NFL-style combine drills. This time, they received coaching from Bears legend, Hall of Famer Devin Hester.
The USAA Salute to Service Boot Camp is one of the several military appreciation events that USAA and the Bears have created to promote understanding and appreciation for the local military community by bringing them closer to a game they love.
The participants were split into teams to compete in drills, including the 40-yard dash, broad jump, three-cone shuttle, receiving gauntlet, and the QB arm challenge.
Each competitor received a score during the individual drills, and their cumulative scores were added to their overall team score, with the winning team being awarded tickets to the Bears’ Salute to Service game later this season.
Hester spent time taking photos, signing autographs, and helping give out prizes to the servicemembers.
“I had a ton of fun partnering with USAA for the Salute to Service Boot Camp to participate in what really felt like the NFL Combine,” said Devin Hester. “I have cousins and an uncle who served in the military, so I’ve always had a deep appreciation for what our servicemembers sacrifice for our country, and it was a great chance for me to connect with some local military to hear their stories, as well as share some coaching and motivation as our military guests ran through the football drills.”
