The power of a pro sports team to inspire was on display Friday morning in Coronado, as thousands gathered at Naval Base San Diego to cheer their Chargers through what amounted to a lot of standing around. For military families, injured soldiers, officers and gentlemen, Friday’s visit by the Chargers served as an opportunity to get close to their sports heroes. It also gave the Chargers the opportunity to get close to our country’s heroes.
The crowd was already well assembled on base at 10am, an hour before the team would arrive from their practice facility. With barbeque grilling and $1 beers flowing, it was a festive atmosphere, and I had to wonder if the people knew what they were waiting to see. A walk-through lives up to its name for the most part, although it could be more accurately be called a stand-around. There’s no action, no sweat, no fun. An NFL walk-through can be easily overlooked, unless you’re a member of the walking wounded.
Read more and listen to Stephen Cooper, Jim Steeg and Malcom Floyd after the jump:
Fans wait for the Chargers to arrive at NBSD
I am lucky enough to cover the Chargers, so a walk-through carries little appeal. But while we were waiting for the team to arrive, a quick tour around the low PVC fencing separating the crowd from the field reminded me that this was a special day for hundreds of Chargers fans. Families who have little to no chance to pay for tickets to a regular season game got this chance to see the team in person. LT, Merriman and Rivers jerseys were draped across the fence, waiting to be autographed. A grandmother quietly pulled her grandson a bit further down the fence, opening up space for a double amputee to wheel himself into a better view of the field.
Listen: Chargers’ Executive VP/COO Jim Steeg talks about the Chargers commitment to the military:
The Charger Girls got the crowd revved up just after 11 with a dance routine at midfield, and then four buses pulled up behind the field, marking the arrival of the team. Immediately, the players started to mingle, sign autographs and pose for pictures. One thing you know about a base appearance, the crowd will be respectful and well behaved. After a brief presentation, the walk-through began.
Listen: Stephen Cooper talks about giving back to military families:
Walk-through is literal. They just stand there.
Scott Yoffe, the talented member of the Chargers’ public relations staff who has moonlighted as a play-by-play announcer and sideline reporter, had the day’s toughest job. He grabbed a wireless microphone and called the “action” of the walk-through. The action consisted of grown men standing around in groups, walking a step or two, then turning around.
“Here comes the second field goal rush unit!”, piped out a peppy Yoffe.
At last, a chance for a little fun on the field. Two Navy guys, both draped in LT jerseys, were brought out on the field to meet the real #21. With Tomlinson serving as an offensive coach and Shawne Merriman coaching up the defender, the two midshipmen lined up for a 1-on-1 showdown. Using a great double move, the middie receiver broke open on a go route, and Philip Rivers lofted the football in his direction. It looked like an overthrow, but then the Navy guy laid out for a diving catch. The biggest cheer of the day erupted.
The walk-through was over in a flash, but the Chargers lingered on the field for 15 more minutes to sign autographs, pose for pictures, and connect with the military families. Malcom Floyd was grinning from ear to ear as he heard fans walking by, calling out his name.
Listen: Malcom Floyd talks about getting up close with military Chargers fans:
You don't see this at every NFL walkthrough
For most of those who filed out of Naval Base San Diego, the walk-through completed, the Chargers will be nothing but a TV image the rest of the year. For most of us, the idea of serving our country and putting our lives on the line will be reduced to an image on the tube as well. For one brief morning, the two worlds intersected. It was a small thing, a short walk-through, but it was kind of a big thing too.
