NFL legends & WWII Heroes Converge at Berlin Gala Ahead of Historic Game
BERLIN – Over 100 NFL stars and World War II veterans gathered Sunday evening at the axel Springer House for a gala celebrating the league’s upcoming game in Germany, a historic event underscoring the enduring connection between American football and the sacrifices made by a generation of heroes. The event honored veterans, some over a century old, who served during WWII, bringing a powerful layer of remembrance to the NFL’s expanding international presence.
The gala, hosted by the NFL and the Veteran-lead “Best Defense Foundation,” served as a tribute to those who defended freedom and a kickoff to a weekend of events culminating in the first regular season NFL game played in germany. This initiative highlights the league’s commitment to honoring veterans and recognizing their contributions, while simultaneously building its fanbase across the Atlantic. Foundation founder and NFL legend Donnie Edwards, who played 13 seasons including time with the Kansas City Chiefs, stated, “We take care of those who took care of us. And we don’t forget their deeds.”
among the honored guests was 98-year-old US Army Air Corps veteran Woody Woodhouse, who enlisted on his 17th birthday. Woodhouse shared that his mother’s German name, Gertrud, was often disliked at the time, but he holds a warm view of German women, describing them as “fantastic.”
Also present was 101-year-old veteran Hilbert Margol, who participated in the liberation of the Dachau concentration camp during WWII. Margol recounted how his mother wrote letters to President Roosevelt to ensure he and his twin brother were assigned to the same unit – a request that was successfully fulfilled.
The veterans will be recognized as honored guests at Sunday’s game in Berlin’s Olympic Stadium, adding a poignant dimension to the NFL’s historic international debut. The “Best Defense Foundation” is dedicated to preserving the legacy of WWII veterans and connecting them with communities across the United states and now, internationally.