The Top 10
Sports Military
Homecoming Moments
Keep some tissues at the ready.
Sports military homecomings are the kind of moments that live with you long after the game is over. In an instant the atmosphere changes as loved ones are reunited after months—or even years—apart. Basically, it’s like the airport bag claim with a big game twist.
These surprises remind us that the culture of sports is about more than just wins and losses. It’s a community where togetherness and shared emotion thrive. Watching a military parent drop to one knee to embrace their child, or a spouse run into the arms they’ve been missing, captures the true meaning of sacrifice and love. Behind every uniform is a story and seeing that story continue with a happy chapter on the field, court, or ice brings it all home.
10 | AN AVALANCHE OF LOVE
Los Angeles Kings vs Colorado Avalanche
January 19th, 2019 - Pepsi Center
On the ice, the Avs dominated the Kings, to the tune of a 7-1 trouncing. Off the ice, fans were given another reason to cheer, as Sarah Villegas, that night’s King Soopers Military Spouse of the Game was treated to a welcome surprise in the form of tearful homecoming with her husband, U.S. Army Sergeant Taylor Villegas. At the time, the 10-year servicemember was not due to return from his second tour in Afghanistan for another couple of weeks. The early reunion stood out as a major highlight on a night of many.
09 | SKOL YOUR HEART
New England Patriots vs Minnesota Vikings
November 24th, 2022 – U.S. Bank Stadium
For military families like the Perkins, the holidays can prove to be a difficult time. With their son Zach proudly deployed overseas, it put a little damper on their spirits as they set forth for U.S. Bank Stadium where they’d be celebrating both the 25-year anniversary of Guy and Christina as well as serving as the Military Family of the Game. This Thanksgiving Day, however, would prove to be one to remember – and one Zach wouldn’t miss.
08 | THE PERFECT CATCH
Boston Red Sox vs Tampa Bay Rays
May 16th, 2013 – Tropicana Stadium
This one was special. 9-year Alayna Adams knew she was in for a surprise as she took the mound that Thursday afternoon to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. What she didn’t know was that the man behind the catcher’s mask waiting to receive her throw was none other than her dad, U.S. Army Lt. Col. Will Adams who had been stationed in Afghanistan for the last year. The whole heartwarming moment was organized in a collaborative effort between the Rays and the USO. Well done, all.
07 | LOVE AND BASKETBALL
Boston Celtics vs Philadelphia 76ers
December 2nd, 2017 - Wells Fargo Center
Love is a powerful thing. After serving a year in Kuwait, U.S. Army Sgt. Elliott Burgos masterminded the perfect reunion with the help of his cheerleader girlfriend’s employer, the Philadelphia 76ers. Aided by the Sixers’ video production crew, Burgos made a surprise appearance on the home court at halftime, winning the hearts of 30,000 Philly fans.
06 | A FANTASTIC FOURTH
Texas Rangers vs Seattle Mariners
T-Mobile Field - July 2, 2021
For the Stearns family, a night out at the ballgame to kick-off Fourth of July weekend just seemed right. The American pastime, hot dogs, a postgame firework show, and even a win by their beloved Seattle Mariners was made so-much sweeter by the surprise return of the family’s patriarch, U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Mark Stearns.
05 | GOING...GOING...NOT GONE!
Miami Marlins vs Los Angeles Dodgers
Dodgers Stadium – April 25th, 2018
When faced with a deployment, it’s only natural for your loved ones to count the days. Specifically, the days you’ve been gone and the days until you return. For Jordan Wolfe, it had been exactly 200 days since she last spent time with her husband, U.S. Air Force Captain John Wolfe, as he had been stationed in Afghanistan for the previous six months. The Dodgers stepped up to make sure this reunion got some major shine time.
04 | UNDERCOVER BROTHER
Colgate vs Notre Dame
Purcell Pavilion – December 16th, 2016
For so many of these surprise reunions, keeping them under wraps during the planning stages can be quite the challenge. That goes double for NCAA sports. On the heels of a 13-point, 7 assist performance in Notre Dame 77-62 victory over Colgate, Notre Dame junior guard Matt Farrell's postgame celebration was one to remember, as his brother Bo, a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army appeared unannounced for an early Christmas surprise.
03 | AN ALL-STAR MOMENT
AL All-Stars vs NL All-Stars
Nationals Park - July 18th, 2018
From the flyovers to the player introductions, the mid-summer classic is a suitable stage for showcasing the best baseball has to offer. For this military homecoming, MLB pulled out all the stops for Air Force Staff Sgt. Cole Condiff, including a meet-and-greet with All-Star Nationals closer Sean Doolittle, supporter of the military non-profit Operation Finally Home and relative of famed U.S. Army General Jimmy Doolittle.
02 | NO BLUES IN MEMPHIS
Harlem Globetrotters World Tour
FedEx Forum, February 4th, 2020
The OGs of sports entertainment, the Harlem Globetrotters have done their thing for decades now, from sold-out arenas to military bases worldwide. They’ve also done a whole lot of good. Here, with the help of longtime ‘trotter Nathaniel "Big Easy" Lofton, they helped reunite U.S. Air Force Sergeant Deandra Proctor with her husband and young daughter.
01 | A BRONX TALE
Houston Astros vs New York Yankees
Yankee Stadium, May 14th, 2017
A lifelong Yankees fan, U.S. Army Specialist Daniel Paredes had no qualms about trading one uniform for another upon his return from a one-year deployment. In true Yankee fashion, he made sure that the surprise reveal would be legendary. Lookin’ good in pinstripes there, soldier.