These NFL prospects got a military experience before the NFL Draft

For Bijan Robinson (RB, Texas) and Peter Skoronski (OL, Northwestern), the NFL Draft from April 27-29, 2023 is one of the biggest events in their careers. Just days before the NFL Draft, the two bright prospects participated in a once-in-a-lifetime "day in the life" military experience at nearby Whiteman Air Force Base, just outside Kansas City. In partnership with USAA, the Official NFL Salute to Service Partner, Robinson and Skoronski had a meet & greet to sign autographs for military personnel at the base, toured some of the Air Force's most powerful planes and even went up for a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter ride over Kansas City.

Robinson has close family ties to the military, noting on Instagram, "It is only because of our military’s service & sacrifice that I am able to do what I love every day!" Skoronski is the grandson of the late Bob Skoronski, a Packers Hall of Famer and five-time NFL Champion under the legendary Vince Lombardi. Moreover, Bob was a military veteran who missed two seasons after his rookie year to serve in the Air Force. "I know a little about what it’s like to protect your teammates’ back, but the service members @whitemanairforcebase take it to a whole new level," Skoronski said on Instagram.

Both players got a bird's eye view of Kansas City, including the National WWI Museum and Memorial, courtesy of the Missouri National Guard. The flight over the site of the NFL draft is certainly one that neither of them will forget. Back at Whiteman AFB, they toured the hangars and got close-up looks at the legendary A-10 Thunderbolt II "Warthog" and B-2 Spirit stealth bomber. Showing their support and appreciation for the military, Robinson and Skoronski took the time to meet with service members and sign autographs.

The Salute to Service program aims to foster an appreciation and understanding of the military community. After their incredible experience at Whiteman AFB, it's safe to say that Robinson and Skoronski left with a deeper appreciation for the military. Skoronski summed up the visit saying, "Thank you to @USAA for allowing me to experience a day in the life of a @usairforceservice member & thank you to our military who always have our backs at home & abroad!"