Class Act: College Football Referee Pauses Penalty Call To Salute Veterans During Bowl Game

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While the Army-Navy game garnered most of the national attention on football, another game featured a touching, unexpected honor for our military Veterans.

At the Celebration Bowl in Atlanta, Jackson State University (JSU) took on South Carolina State.

After JSU’s Travis Terrell Jr. returned a punt return 81 yards for a touchdown, there was a flag on the play.

Referee Rory Bernard, however, did more than just announce the penalty.

Before announcing the call, Bernard stopped and honored our veterans with a salute.

As his mic came on for the first time, he stated, “I’d like to salute our military veterans.”

Today’s Celebration Bowl referee, Rory Bernard, saluted the military & veterans before calling the first penalty of the game pic.twitter.com/0UYvn0lqgf

— DraftKings (@DraftKings) December 14, 2024

The touching gesture garnered praise on social media.

SO much respect for Rory Bernard, who saluted military veterans during today’s @CelebrationBowl, before announcing a 15-yard unnecessary roughness penalty against @jacksonstatefb. You’re the real MVP on the field, Sir! #CelebrationBowl #collegegameday #CollegeFootball #collegetwt… https://t.co/2jWfDnKDUP

— Jonathan Jones (@jdjonesofficial) December 14, 2024

Class act by Rory Bernard! Saluting the military and veterans before the game sets the tone for a great celebration.

— WAIGER (@waigerHQ) December 14, 2024

“Rory Bernard: redefining penalty calls with a side of patriotism! Why just throw flags when you can throw in a salute too? Cue the NFL refs scrambling for new ways to spice up their penalty announcements. #CelebrationBowl #SaluteToService – Who knew zebra stripes came with a…

— Intermix ForYou (@IntermixForYou) December 14, 2024

While it is unclear if Bernard has any military service himself, his crisp salute was noted.

He might’ve worn the uniform himself Either way, it was Crisp, Quick, & Professional! Referee Rory Bernard! Well done, sir! ☺️ https://t.co/ZyOriXqodX

— Brown Girl (@SpokenButterfly) December 14, 2024