f.Emotional Jason Kelce chokes up live on ESPN after tribute to Eagles star’s heroic grandfather.f

Veterans Day is typically a celebration of America’s military service members and not strictly aimed at honoring those heroes who were killed in action.

But ahead of the Monday Night Football showdown between the 

Green Bay Packers and visiting Philadelphia Eagles, ESPN analyst Jason Kelce managed to do both in a touching segment about the grandfather a former teammate.

Third-year Eagles guard Tyler Steen happens to be the grandson of Sgt. Rodney M. Davis, who 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 saved five other soldiers on that day,’ a tearful Kelce said following the segment. ‘Those soldiers went on to have kids.’

Stopping to regather himself, Kelce continued: ‘Probably 50 people [are] alive today because of that decision.’

A father to four young daughters, Kelce spoke about the sacrifice Davis made as a platoon guide with with Company B, First Battalion in the First Marine Division on September 6, 1967.

‘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.

Josh Allen Builds Homes, Not Just Hope — Bills Star Donates 8 Smart Houses to Wounded Veterans Ahead of Veterans Day

BUFFALO, NY – October 14, 2025 — Josh Allen has always been known for his arm strength and leadership on the field, but this week, his impact went far beyond football. Just days before 

Veterans Day, the Buffalo Bills quarterback donated eight custom-designed smart homes to severely wounded U.S. veterans.

The project is part of Allen’s long-term initiative to honor soldiers injured in Afghanistan, Iraq, and other post-9/11 conflicts. For him, this is not just charity — it’s a way to give back to those who gave everything.

Each house is custom-built with adaptive technology, allowing residents to control lights, doors, and home systems through voice commands or mobile apps. The goal: restore independence and dignity for heroes who sacrificed theirs.

The homes feature barrier-free layouts, wide entrances, smooth flooring, and lowered kitchen and bathroom setups for wheelchair access. Every design element is meant to make daily life easier and more empowering.

They’re also energy-efficient, using solar panels and eco-friendly materials to reduce costs while promoting sustainability — something Allen personally called “a new kind of freedom for those who earned it.”

Each property, valued between $500,000 and $700,000, is funded through Allen’s partnership with the Generosity Sports Foundation, which works with local builders to construct homes near each veteran’s preferred community.

Since 2020, Allen’s initiative has led to over 100 smart homes built nationwide, with new projects underway in New York, Pennsylvania, and Texas. Many veterans have called them “a true place of peace after years of struggle.”

Recipients include veterans from all branches — Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines — many living with limb loss, paralysis, or traumatic brain injuries suffered in service.

At the home dedication ceremony, Allen spoke with humility and passion:

“These heroes gave more than most people can imagine. They fought for our safety, and now it’s our turn to fight for their comfort.”

He paused, his voice steady but emotional:

“Every door that opens, every light that turns on — it’s a reminder that they’re not forgotten. This country stands tall because they did first.”

Allen’s effort has already inspired other athletes and Buffalo-based philanthropists to join, expanding the program to include financial grants, mobility vehicles, and veteran rehabilitation support.

As the snow began to fall over Buffalo, one truth echoed louder than any crowd at Highmark Stadium — Josh Allen isn’t just leading the Bills. He’s leading by heart.