It has been one week since former Northwestern offensive lineman Peter Skoronski had his life changed forever when he officially became the Tennessee Titans’ 2023 first-round pick.
As you probably know by now, he celebrated his draft moment inside a crowded pizzeria filled with friends, family, teammates, and coaches.
What you may not know is how Skoronski spent his week leading up to the big moment when he heard his name called by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.
Most of the top prospects choose to take advantage of the glitz and glam that often comes with being invited for draft week.
However, Skoronski, along with new Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson, both chose to take a different route while they were in Kansas City.
The pair participated in a unique “day in the life” experience at Whiteman Air Force Base located outside of Kansas City.
Peter is the son of Green Bay Packers legend and military veteran Bob Skoronski, who actually missed two seasons of his NFL career to serve in the Air Force.
Despite the brief time off, Bob Skoronski finished his football career as a five-time NFL champion under Vince Lombardi, which subsequently led to his induction into the Green Bay Packers’ Hall of Fame.
My grandfather, Bob Skoronski, played in the @NFL for Vince Lombardi and served in the @usairforce. His dedication and service inspired me to be here. @USAA #NFLDraft #SaluteToService #USAApartner pic.twitter.com/holHV6D26r
— Peter Skoronski (@PSkoronski) April 27, 2023
With the NFL draft being in Kansas City, Peter used this opportunity to merge both worlds by using his platform to honor and appreciate his grandfather and our entire military.
In partnership with USAA, Official NFL Salute to Service Partner, Peter participated in
- Flight experience in a Missouri National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter
- Flight plan took a route over downtown Kansas City, including the site of the NFL Draft
- Tour of U.S. Air Force warplanes, including the B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber and the A-10 Warthog
- Meet-and-greet/autograph signing for military personnel based at Whiteman Air Force Base
Peter jokingly stated afterward that the experience felt like “real life top-gun” while joyfully describing the experience as an “incredible and mind-blowing day.”
Skoronski was often described as a high-character prospect throughout the process, and these types of stories only confirm those narratives.
You can find the video in its entirety shown below:
.@NFL prospects @Bijan5Robinson & @PSkoronski had a once-in-a-lifetime experience at @Whiteman_AFB experiencing a day in the life of a @usairforce service member. Even flew in a @usarmy UH-60 Black Hawk over the site of the #NFLDraft in Kansas City! #SaluteToService pic.twitter.com/rFQzF4kQQJ
— USAA (@USAA) April 26, 2023