WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Washington Commanders and the National Football League are proud to honor the 250th anniversary of the United States Navy with a series of special game day activations during Monday Night Football at Northwest Stadium as the Commanders take on the Bears on October 13. The celebration will recognize the sacrifice and legacy of the Navy and its sailors—past and present—through heartfelt tributes and ceremonial moments throughout the day.
"As the NFL team representing the nation's capital, we are honored to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States Navy — an institution that embodies the values of service, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to our country," said Mark Clouse, Team President, Washington Commanders. "Washington has always stood at the heart of our nation's military heritage, and it's a privilege for our organization to pay tribute to the brave men and women of the Navy. We salute their enduring legacy and are proud to stand with them in recognition of this historic milestone."
SPECIAL ACTIVATIONS INCLUDE:
Game Ball Delivery by retired Navy SEAL and Local Hero Jason Redman
Leading the pregame celebrations, the game ball will be delivered by Jason Redman, a retired Navy SEAL, Purple Heart recipient, and beloved local D.C. hero. Redman, a former member of SEAL Team 4 and SEAL Team 10, was critically wounded in 2007 during a special operations mission. Despite being struck multiple times by machine gun fire, he survived and went on to become a powerful voice for wounded warriors and veterans.
Having undergone 37 surgeries and receiving numerous honors—including the Bronze Star Medal with Valor, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal and Navy Commendation Medal—Redman later founded Wounded Wear, a non-profit providing clothing and support to families of fallen service members. He is an alumnus of Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA, and continues to serve as a source of inspiration for the military and veteran community.
National Anthem Performance by Generald Wilson
The National Anthem will be performed by retired Navy Petty Officer First Class Generald Wilson, a premier National anthem soloist known for his powerful renditions at major sporting events across the country—including previous Commanders games.
Honorary Captains: Secretary of the Navy, John Phelan, and retired Navy SEAL and Medal of Honor Recipient, Edward Byers
Serving as honorary captains will be Secretary of the Navy, John Phelan, and retired Navy SEAL and Medal of Honor Recipient, Edward Byers.
Secretary Phelan oversees the well-being, readiness and development of nearly one million Sailors, Marines, reservists and civilian personnel in the Department of the Navy.
Edward served 11 overseas deployments, including nine combat tours, deploying multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan. Over the course of those deployments, Byers received five Bronze Star Medals with a valor device and two Purple Hearts.
USAA Salute to Service Moment: Honoring the Kristensen Family
During the first quarter, the Commanders and the NFL will recognize the Kristensen family in partnership with USAA for the Salute to Service Moment. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the loss of Lieutenant Commander Erik Kristensen, a Navy SEAL who gave his life during Operation Red Wings in 2005.
Kristensen, a graduate of Gonzaga College High School in D.C. and the U.S. Naval Academy, served as a SEAL TEAM EIGHT platoon commander. He was attempting a rescue mission for a fellow SEAL team under ambush by Taliban forces when his helicopter was shot down by enemy fire. The tragic event marked the worst single-day loss of life for Naval Special Warfare since World War II. Lt. Cmdr. Kristensen was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star with Combat "V" for his heroism.
Hometown Hero Recognition: Captain Derek Adametz, USN (Ret.)
During the third quarter, the Commanders will honor Captain Derek Adametz, USN (Ret.), as the Hometown Hero. A Chesapeake, VA resident and career Navy Pilot, Captain Adametz recently concluded 29 years of distinguished service on July 1, 2025.
Captain Adametz earned his Wings of Gold in 1998 and flew the P-3C Orion in support of national security operations. As Commanding Officer, he led his squadron through a historic transition to the Navy's next-generation maritime patrol aircraft, P-8A Poseidon. His leadership, mentorship, and commitment to mission readiness have left a lasting impact on the Navy's aviation community and the future of naval warfare.
Video Messages from Overseas Sailors
The Commanders will broadcast messages from deployed sailors throughout the game.
