TJ Watt gifts disabled veteran from Oshkosh trip to Super Bowl LVIII

By: CBS 58 Newsroom

Posted: Jan 23, 2024 12:39 PM CDT

With the Super Bowl just a few weeks away, Pewaukee's own -- NFL star TJ Watt -- announced he's gifting a disabled Army veteran from Oshkosh, a surprise trip to the Super Bowl!

According to a news release, Watt teamed up with USAA, Official NFL Salute to Service partner, and Disabled American Veterans (DAV) to award a deserving military veteran and his family a once-in-a-lifetime experience with a trip to the Super Bowl and a chance to meet him and other NFL stars in Las Vegas.

Watt tweeted Tuesday, Jan. 23, Army vet SSGT Adam Alexander is "living proof that those from the heartland have huge hearts!"

Army vet SSGT Adam Alexander is living proof that those from the heartland have huge hearts! Along with @USAA and @DAVHQ, I’m honored to send a Purple Heart recipient and fellow Wisconsinite to #SuperBowlLVIII in Las Vegas #SaluteToService #ad pic.twitter.com/obMDuOgkKE
— TJ Watt (@_TJWatt) January 23, 2024

Alexander, according to the news release, enlisted in the Army Reserves as a Civil Affairs Specialist in 2008 while attending University of Wisconsin – Platteville, eventually achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant in 2012 when his service career ended due to injuries sustained in combat.

In 2011, Alexander was deployed to Afghanistan as part of Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) stationed in province of Paktya, when he was struck in the head by sniper fire during an insurgent attack on his base, leaving him with a 5% chance of survival.

He has a decorated service history included being awarded the Purple Heart, Combat Action badge, and the Army Commendation Medal with Valor.

Alexander's new mission is to be a full-time volunteer and father to his 1-year-old daughter. He is also dedicated to raising support and awareness for local veterans.

The release says Alexander's favorite team is the Green Bay Packers. He plans to bring his father-in-law, a Vietnam-era Army veteran, with him to the Super Bowl in Las Vegas. Both will meet Watt before going to the game.

Alexander is not the only vet to get this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. USAA will be coordinating a similar effort with other players around the league.

Super Bowl LVIII is set for Feb. 11 and will air on CBS 58.