Marine Corps Air Station Miramar

NFL Football Star Experience brings football stars, service members together

By Cpl. Michael B. Thorn | Marine Corps Air Station Miramar | July 15, 2014

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Drew Brees, left, New Orleans Saints quarterback and former San Diego Charger, greets Sgt. Maj. Richard Charron, right, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar sergeant major and Col. John P. Farnam, MCAS Miramar commanding officer, before the start of the NFL Football Star Experience aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., July 15. Football players, like Brees, performed drills and signed autographs for service members and families aboard the air station. (Photo by Cpl. Michael B. Thorn)

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Drew Brees, far left, New Orleans Saints quarterback and former San Diego Charger, signs autographs for service members and families during the NFL Football Star Experience aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., July 15. The NFL Football Star Experience included various drills performed by NFL players and the Miramar Falcons. (Photo by Cpl. Michael B. Thorn)

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The Miramar Falcons football team poses with NFL players, trainers and Marines for a photo during the NFL Football Star Experience aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., July 15. Service members and families were able to see NFL players perform various drills and get autographs. (Photo by Cpl. Michael B. Thorn)

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Darren Sproles, right, Philadelphia Eagles running back, sprints with Marines during the NFL Football Star Experience aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., July 15. The NFL Football Star Experience included additional drills, such as pass-and-throw drills and various agility drills. (Photo by Cpl. Michael B. Thorn)

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Col. John P. Farnam, left, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar commanding officer, introduces Todd Durkin, owner of Fitness Quest 10, to service members and families during the NFL Football Star Experience aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., July 15. Durkin led multiple drills and exercises for NFL players during the event. (Photo by Cpl. Michael B. Thorn)

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MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. --

Marines, sailors and family members watched football players from the National Football League train during the NFL Football Star Experience aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, July 15.

This was the first year having the NFL Football Star Experience aboard this air station. The event helped show the support of the military from these professional athletes.

“This event started from a suggestion from Todd Durkin,” said Eva Marie Gutierrez, Marine Corps Community Services marketing director. “He pitched the idea to us, and we said yes and made it happen. We couldn’t pass up this opportunity for everyone.”

Durkin, trainer and owner of Fitness Quest 10, led multiple drills and exercises for NFL players during the event. Durkin works with high-profile athletes from the NFL and Major League Baseball teams, along with anyone seeking to improve their health and fitness.

NFL stars such as Drew Brees, Darren Sproles and Carson Palmer participated in the drill and exercises and also conducted pass-and-throw drills with members of the Miramar Falcons team and signed autographs during the event.

“It’s great having our Falcons interact with these NFL players,” said Master Gunnery Sgt. Carlice Moffett, Falcons head coach. “Not only do they get to learn from these great athletes, they get to enjoy the opportunity to be with these stars. It’s phenomenal.”

Some of the NFL players expressed their gratitude for the nation’s service members during their visit aboard the air station.

“This was a great opportunity for us,” said Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints quarterback and former San Diego Charger. “We can never thank these service members enough for their service to us and our country.”