Gold Team Joins the Fans in Reliant Stadium

SSG Noah Watts jumps the Texas State Flag into Reliant Stadium. Photo by SSG Aaron Figel

The cheers from the crowd at Reliant Stadium could be heard from two thousand feet under canopy, as the members of the Gold Demonstration Team could tell you. The Team jumped the game ball into the Houston Texans v the Kansas City Chiefs game on Sunday. As each jumper entered the retractable roof stadium, the cheers got louder, and the song being sung–”Proud to Be an American”– was an apt description for the way everyone was feeling. Several people told the Team how the patriotic jump brought them to tears, and thanked them for their service.

Team leader SFC JD Berentis spots the aircraft over Reliant Stadium. Photo by SSG Reese Pendleton

All veterans, past and present, were recognized, and even the cheerleaders showed their support by wearing cheerleading outfits based around the different branches of military service. The Team was introduced on the big screen after the 3rd quarter, along with several deserving members of the military, who were also recognized. It was a great jump for a great crowd, and the Team was proud to be a part of it.

SGT Chris Clark and SGT Jen Schaben fly their canopies over the icon. Photo by SSG Aaron Figel