FOX hosts “FOX Sports Salutes” Veterans Day two-day event with college and NFL pregame broadcasts at West Point

As the nation commemorates the 250th anniversary of American independence, FOX Sports brought its Veterans Day programming to West Point and the U.S. Naval Academy on Nov. 7-8, highlighting military service, academy traditions and the next generation of military leaders.

Throughout the weekend, FOX highlighted features, tributes and on-air moments that recognized the service and sacrifice of veterans, while coverage also focused on life at each academy as the cadets and midshipmen prepare for military careers after they graduate.

“Veterans Day reminds us that our Nation’s strength rests on generations of Americans willing to serve and sacrifice for something greater than themselves,” said USMA Superintendent Lt. Gen. James B. Bartholomees III. “At West Point, we honor their courage by preparing the next generation of leaders of character to carry forward that legacy of selfless service, grounded in Duty, Honor, Country.”

The weekend kicked off with FOX Big Noon Kickoff on Nov. 7 featuring hosts Rob Stone, Urban Meyer, Matt Leinart, Brady Quinn, Mark Ingram II, Chris Fallica and Tom Rinaldi at West Point prior to the evening game between academy rivals Army and Air Force.

The tribute continued Sunday, Nov. 8, as FOX NFL Sunday carried on its annual tradition of broadcasting from a military location to celebrate service members, veterans and their families, along with cadets and midshipmen this year. It was FOX NFL Sunday’s return to West Point for the first time since 2019.

At West Point, Curt Menefee, Michael Strahan, Rob Gronkowski, Charles Woodson and Julian Edelman joined the broadcast, while other members of the FOX NFL Sunday crew reported from Annapolis.

Actor Anthony Mackie opened the two-hour broadcast with an introduction recognizing veterans and their importance in shaping the American landscape.

“Every veteran has a story, where they came from, why they served and the moments that shaped them. Some stories are told often, others are carried quietly for a lifetime,” Mackie said. “From Annapolis to West Point, we’ll share those stories. The stories of courage, of sacrifice, of service. Because before they were veterans, they were sons and daughters, teammates and friends, ordinary Americans who made an extraordinary choice. Today their stories take center stage.”

During the FOX NFL Sunday broadcast, FOX highlighted well-known athletes and coaches who attended the service academies while also sharing the personal journeys of current cadets and midshipmen. Among them was Class of 2028 Cadet Taylor Flowers, who was adopted from China at age 2 with a heart condition and earned her acceptance to West Point on her third application after spending two years in ROTC at West Virginia University.

Reflecting on her aspiration to attend West Point, Flowers said, “I have to go to West Point, and I have to become the best version of myself.”

After earning acceptance to the Academy, Flowers has embraced the opportunity to improve herself and support those around her, motivated by gratitude for the family who gave her the opportunity to come to the United States.

“I want to make (my family) proud,” Flowers said. “How can I give back to my family, how can I give back to a country that has provided me so many opportunities. I wake up in the morning and I’m proud to be where I am. It’s hard just being here, but I’m grateful every day.”

After Flowers’ story aired, Strahan asked whether being at West Point felt surreal. “Absolutely, I can't believe it,” she replied.

Following her response, Strahan addressed Flowers and the cadets in the audience, saying, “I want to say ‘thank you,’ amongst all of you, for your dedication and commitment to the U.S. Army. We really appreciate you telling your story. I think that will inspire a lot of other people out there who are thinking about coming to West Point, and hopefully they never give up, and they get here as well.”

As broadcast hosts connected with the cadets and midshipmen on and off the air throughout the day, the live broadcast also unveiled Army’s 4th Infantry Division-themed uniform that the Black Knights will wear during this year’s Army-Navy Game on Dec. 12 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Gronkowski unveiled the uniform, walking through a group of raucous cadets, officers and noncommissioned officers to show the nationally televised audience the “Ivy” green threads and helmet.

“I have never experienced a celebrity to showcase the uniform,” said Class of 2029 Cadet Aidan Hennen. “For Gronk to come out in our uniform and spike the ball made it super exciting.”

Gronkowski, known for his on-air stunts during Veterans Day broadcasts, including skydiving and rappelling, also slid into the West Point Survival Swim pool to take on combat water survival swimming, a feat all cadets must achieve during their time at the academy.

Hennen praised FOX Sports for highlighting the Academy and the significance of Veterans Day.

“Football is easily America’s most popular sport, and FOX making an effort to highlight USMA and show exactly why Veterans Day is more than just a holiday did a terrific service to veterans,” Hennen said.

The Highland Falls, New York, native, remembers watching the FOX NFL Sunday broadcast on post when the show came to West Point in 2019. However, this time was much different for him.

“I never thought I would be blessed with the opportunity to not only wear dress gray and attend as a cadet but also to have all the football players I watched as a kid come up to me and talk with me,” Hennen stated.

Hennen also had the opportunity to speak with FOX NFL Sunday analyst Charles Woodson, sharing his experiences at West Point and discussing the Academy’s history. During the live broadcast, Woodson referenced their conversation and acknowledged Hennen in front of the national audience.

“Frankly, that was insanely cool! I could not believe he did that on live television,” Hennen said.

Beyond the excitement of the broadcasts, Veterans Day holds personal significance for Hennen, whose grandfather and uncle both served in the military. Their example helped inspire his own decision to serve and reinforced the importance of learning from those who came before him.

“By learning from those who have come before me,” Hennen said, “I can better appreciate the line of work I am entering and lead Soldiers under me with the best care I can.”

(Editor’s note: The Superintendent’s quote was used from previously published material from a West Point Public Affairs press release.)

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