Prospects bond with service members before NFL Draft

Just days before the first round of the NFL Draft, two of the National Football League’s’ brightest prospects participated in a “day in the life” experience at Selfridge Air National Guard Base outside of Detroit, Michigan.

In partnership with USAA, Official NFL Salute to Service Partner, Bo Nix (QB, Oregon) and Joe Alt (OL, Notre Dame), recently spent a day on-base that was highlighted by a flight in a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter on a flight path that took them over downtown Detriot, the site of this year’s NFL Draft.

“I’ve never been in a helicopter before, so this will be my first time,” Nix said before the flight. “What better place to do it than here.”

Pointing to the chopper waiting on the tarmac, he added, “That one’s got motion sickness written all over it.”

“I’m hoping it’s similar to the motion sickness on a boat,” said Alt.

Nix and Alt also had on-the-ground tours of various military aircraft, including the KC-135 Stratotanker and the A-10 Thunderbolt II, commonly known as the “Warthog.” At  6′ 7″ and weighing 322 pounds, Alt was worried he wouldn’t be able to sit up straight in the Warthog, but found he could.

One of Nix’s grandfathers, Robert Chapman, served in the Air Force, while both of Alt’s grandfathers, Roger Rozmark and Robert Alt, served in the Army.

Both prospects quickly found chemistry with service members by connecting over their shared appreciation for the country’s defenders.

“I wouldn’t be able to do what I do on a daily basis without the men and women that serve our country,” said Nix.

“Military life is very important to me and my family so I’m looking forward to hearing their story,” said Alt. “I really just want to show gratitude and thank them for all they do for us.”

This year’s NFL Draft takes place from April 25-27.

Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com .