Veterans Day traditionally serves to honor the courageous men and women who have served in the United States military. While its primary purpose is not to commemorate those who have fallen in action, it provides an opportunity to reflect on their sacrifices as well.
In a heartfelt tribute aired before the Monday Night Football game between the Green Bay Packers and the Philadelphia Eagles, ESPN analyst Jason Kelce poignantly combined these sentiments. He paid homage to the grandfather of a former teammate, bringing a personal touch to a national observance.
Tyler Steen, a guard in his third year with the Eagles, carries a profound legacy within his family. His grandfather, Sgt. Rodney M. Davis, was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously in 1967. Sgt. Davis’s heroic act of throwing himself on a grenade during the Vietnam War saved the lives of his fellow soldiers.
“He saved five other soldiers on that day,” an emotional Kelce recounted, reflecting on the segment. “Those soldiers went on to have kids.” The weight of Sgt. Davis’s sacrifice was deeply felt as Kelce paused to compose himself before continuing.
“Probably 50 people [are] alive today because of that decision,” Kelce added, underscoring the far-reaching impact of Sgt. Davis’s bravery.
Kelce, a father of four daughters, spoke with reverence about Davis’s ultimate sacrifice as a platoon guide with Company B, First Battalion, First Marine Division on September 6, 1967. His words served as a poignant reminder of the personal stories behind the service and sacrifice honored on Veterans Day.
Jason Kelce became overwhelmed with emotion when discussing Sgt. Rodney M. Davis
Sgt. Rodney M. Davis (pictured) was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in 1967 after jumping on a grenade in Vietnam to save the lives of his fellow soldiers
‘He did that, leaving behind a two-year-old little girl… You know, as Veteran’s Day approaches, it’s a reminder the sacrifice that a lot of people put out there every day so we can sit at this desk and enjoy this game,’ Kelce continued after getting a pat on the back from co-host, Marcus Spears.
‘It’s truly a remarkable story about a very selfless man. Tyler Steen gets to honor him and his entire family tonight. It’s a testament to their whole family.’
Then-president Richard Nixon released a citation for Davis as the Marine was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.
‘Disregarding the enemy hand grenades and high volume of small arms and mortar fire, Sergeant Davis moved from man to man shouting words of encouragement to each of them firing and throwing grenades at the onrushing enemy,’ read the citation.
Jason Kelce takes a moment to collect himself alongside fellow ESPN host Marcus Spears
Tyler Steen, Davis’ grandson, is now the starting right guard for the Philadelphia Eagles
‘When an enemy grenade landed in the trench in the midst of his men, Sergeant Davis, realizing the gravity of the situation, and in a final valiant act of complete self-sacrifice, instantly threw himself upon the grenade, absorbing with his own body the full and terrific force of the explosion.
‘Through his extraordinary initiative and inspiring valor in the face of almost certain death, Sergeant Davis saved his comrades from injury and possible loss of life, enabled his platoon to hold its vital position, and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.’
Davis was survived by his wife, Judy, and two daughters, Nichola Davis and Samantha J. Davis-Steen, who later gave birth to Tyler. It was Judy who would receive the Congressional Medal of Honor from Vice President Spiro Agnew.
The younger Steen spent one season with Kelce in Philadelphia before the latter’s retirement. This season the 25-year-old has emerged as a solid starter at right guard alongside legendary tackle Lane Johnson.
The segment on Davis came just a few hours before Veterans Days. The NFL traditionally uses the month of November to highlight its year-round ‘Salute To Service’ campaign.
Donald Trump later said it was the ‘greatest flyover ever’ before arriving at the stadium
However, this year, the ongoing government shutdown prevented any Pentagon-sponsored participation in NFL events, such as flyover with military aircraft.
But that didn’t stop President Donald Trump from flying over Sunday’s Washington Commanders-Detroit Lions game in Air Force One.
Furthermore, as reported by The Washington Post, Tri-State Warbird Museum in Ohio conducted an impressive flyover with a restored B-25 Mitchell bomber aircraft to honor service members at a recent game between the Cincinnati Bengals and visiting Chicago Bears.
‘One of the principal missions for the organization is to support veterans of all conflicts,’ museum president David O’Maley told The Post. ‘They had a different flyover scheduled, and we stepped in for the Salute to Service.’
Similarly, veterans have been honored at various other NFL stadiums so far this month, albeit without the participation of the Pentagon.
