Former Commanders QB Honors Military Heroes Ahead of Army-Navy Game

Robert Griffin III teams up with USAA and the Elizabeth Dole Foundation to honor military families and unity ahead of the Army-Navy Game in Washington.

Aug 13, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) looks to pass during the first quarter of preseason NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-Imagn Images / Andrew Weber-Imagn Images

As the Washington Commanders head south to face the New Orleans Saints in Week 14, Northwest Stadium will still see some football action. For only the second time in its 125-year history, the Army-Navy game has returned to the nation’s capital.

Ahead of the game, USAA and the Elizabeth Dole Foundation have teamed up to host “USAA’s Heroes Huddle at the Army-Navy Game,” with support from a Commanders legend, Robert Griffin III. This event celebrates the iconic Army-Navy rivalry while shining a spotlight on the often-overlooked heroes of the military community: their families.

The Washington Commanders, who have embraced unity and purpose this season, reflect the same camaraderie often seen in military families. Former Washington quarterback Robert Griffin III (RGIII) drew on this connection.

Aug 13, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) looks to pass during the first quarter of preseason NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-Imagn Images / Andrew Weber-Imagn Images

“For the Commanders, football is like the closest thing we get to our military, right? We’ve often heard guys describe the football field as a battlefield, and while it’s really not—because it’s not life or death in the same sense—the closer-knit you are as a group, the easier it is to go out and execute your mission,” he shared.

RGIII also praised the Commanders resilience during a tough stretch of games, crediting quarterback Jayden Daniels and the team’s collective effort.

“That locker room said, ‘Enough of this. We’re gonna go out and execute, get a win, go into the bye, and be ready to roll for this playoff push.’ And to me, that’s a sign of a team that understands the assignment. It’s not just about playing hard; it’s about getting the job done and being there for each other,” he said.

Beyond football, RGIII has maintained strong ties with the Commanders community and the D.C. area, making a significant impact at events like USSA's Heroes Huddle. Reflecting on his recent recognition as the Commanders Legend of the Week during Week 12 against the Dallas Cowboys, he expressed deep gratitude.

 “Massive thank you to Josh Harris and the ownership group for welcoming me back,” RGIII said. “This place changed my life forever, and I want to continue coming back to change lives. Being part of events like this is humbling because you know you’ve made an impact.”

Set against the backdrop of Northwest Stadium, the Heroes Huddle also highlights the contributions of young military family members, known as hidden helpers, whose efforts often go unnoticed.

Stephen Saunders, Chief Development Officer at the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, emphasized the importance of the event. “We always want to work with sports superstars and other star power because it helps bring attention to what we’re doing,” Saunders said.

“Especially around hidden helpers and the kids who are doing so much. This is such a great feat for them, and I think it also brings some good attention to that part of the population and those kids who are serving it every day.”

General John Richardson, USAA’s head of Military Affairs, elaborated on the broader mission of the initiative. “USAA with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation wants to acknowledge and recognize the hidden heroes of the military community, which are the families. This is an opportunity to acknowledge their sacrifices and thank them for the service that they provide,” he said.

As the Commanders head into the final stretch of their season, their unity and determination echo the spirit of the military community they honor so often. From Northwest Stadium to New Orleans and beyond, it’s a powerful reminder for fans, players, and legends alike of the unity that drives success—whether on the football field or in service to the nation.

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