He took the ‘surprise military reunion’ trope to new heights with this ploy
An Army staff sergeant surprised his family on the field during the University of Nebraska spring game over the weekend. Matthew Hawke’s family had been invited to stand mid-field during the pre-game coin toss and Hawke, home from a 10-month tour in Afghanistan, appeared on the field in a full University of Nebraska uniform. Before Hawke’s son flipped the coin, Hawke removed his helmet to reveal himself. From the pictures of the reunion, the family was completely caught off-guard.
You know it's a special moment when you get all the feels during a coin toss. Well done, @HuskerFBNation! https://t.co/IUEyFdixG2— Big Ten Network (@Big Ten Network) 1492279982.0
Staff Sgt Matthew Hawke walking off field with daughter. He surprised his family at midfield after 10-month stay in… https://t.co/GpkjuDuI0F— Brian Rosenthal (@Brian Rosenthal) 1492281048.0
Spring scrimmages are generally anticlimactic but have taken on a spirit of goodwill from this emotional reunion to Ohio State University, where a fan with muscular dystrophy was allowed to score a touchdown during the game.