On Tuesday, the Chiefs defensive backs hosted local marines at Arrowhead Stadium for the Pro vs. G.I. Joe gamming event. The program matches military personnel, both local and overseas, "G.I. Joe," against professional football players, "Pro," and brings them together in a video game competition.
On Tuesday members of the Kansas City Chiefs Defensive Backs unit played games with local marines and soldiers overseas to unite the Pros and G.I. Joes
"This is such a great event to be able to spend time with local military members and talk with those overseas through the webcam," Husain Abdullah said. "The guys overseas are in a completely different mindset and atmosphere, so to be able to distract them for a little bit and play video games with them and interact with them is really cool."
Pro vs. G.I. Joe, in partnership with the USO, is a program designed to provide deployed troops a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go head-to-head in online video game competitions against their favorite professional athletes. The troops play either in USO centers all over the world or on location with the professional athletes back home.
On Tuesday, the players interacted with soldiers based in Germany and Afghanistan, as well as, local marines from the Marines Combat Logistics Regiment 4, which included those who helped in the Toys for Tots drive at Arrowhead Stadium.
The players signed autographs, met military members via webcam and enjoyed time with the troops.
"My brother used to be in the Navy and I have three cousins currently in the Navy, so for me it's a great experience when we meet with those who serve our country," Abdullah said. "These guys put a lot of stuff on hold to serve for our country and this was a way to say thank you and help take their mind off things."
The Chiefs have long supported active-duty military members and veterans alike. Throughout the month of November, the organization supported Military Appreciation month by visiting local bases, stopping by the National WWI Museum with a group of high school students in the ROTC program and honored military members and veterans at Arrowhead Stadium.
Tuesday's event was a way to thank the soldiers and also bring awareness to the Toys for Tots drive. To find a location near you and donate today, click here.
