Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson may not be playing in Super Bowl LIV, but he is doing his part to ensure well-deserving fans get to enjoy the Big Game.
The two-time Pro Bowler teamed up with USAA and the USO to award a trip to the Super Bowl in Miami to retired Lt. Colonel Roger Miranda of Belton, Texas.
“With twenty-two years of military service to his name including multiple overseas deployments, Lieutenant Colonel Miranda is an extraordinary example of what it means to be Army Strong” Watson said. said Deshaun Watson.
Thankful for people like @roger__miranda – a career Army officer – who continues to serve his country by helping troops transition to civilian life. Thanks @USAA & @the_USO for teaming-up with me to provide this soldier 2 tix to #SBLIV. Much deserved. #SaluteToService pic.twitter.com/bosPbGIbsg
— Deshaun Watson (@deshaunwatson) January 27, 2020
Miranda served in the U.S. Army for 22 years, starting out as a field artillery officer in 1997, serving in Fort Sill, Okla., Schofield Barracks, and Fort Shafter in Hawaii.
After 10 years of working as a field artillery officer, Miranda transferred to the modeling and simulations office and helped train other service members, working in Fort Leavenworth, Kan., Orlando, Fla., and Fort Hood, Texas over a 12-year period.
Miranda also served his country overseas with two deployments to Afghanistan in 2004 and his second in 2014. Miranda spent time in Kuwait in 2017.
Since retiring, the Newark, N.J., native has spent his time volunteering to increase awareness among veterans of the various employment opportunities available in the tech industry. Miranda works as a technical IT recruiter for a firm in Austin, Texas.
Though a lifelong New York Jets fan, Miranda relishes attending the Super Bowl between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers with his wife, Crystal.
Watson will meet military members like Miranda during Super Bowl weekend at the Super Bowl Experience in Miami at the USAA’s Salute to Service Lounge, which will be open to current military, veterans, and their families. The lounge will have NFL personalities of all types from players to coaches.
“I am honored to partner with USAA and the USO to award LTC Roger Miranda and his wife Crystal with this [trip] to Super Bowl LIV in Miami in recognition of his service to our country,” Watson said.