FORT KNOX, Ky. — Who Dey! Cincinnati Bengals players got a taste of a soldier’s routine this weekend at Fort Knox Military Post.
Members of the Cincinnati football team were in Fort Knox on Friday getting a feel for what it’s like serving in uniform. Their training and demonstrations started almost immediately after stepping off the team bus.
Over 20 members of the Bengals team and staff visited Fort Knox for a “soldiering experience,” and to meet families living on the base.
“It means so much. Relationships matter and having them here means so much and I think they are going to have a wonderful day,” Major General Johnny Davis told Spectrum News at the onset of the Bengals visit. Davis is the Commander General of U.S. Army and Fort Knox.
Players were split up into groups as they took part in several hands-on demonstrations. Their training included venturing into a mobile simulator called the “Army Adventure Experience”, emphasizing the Army’s latest technology incorporating the importance of STEM.
Fort Knox servicemembers greet football players from the Cincinnati Bengals as the team begins its training day. (Spectrum News 1/Jonathon Gregg)
“That’s crazy. I wouldn’t have imagined stuff like this existed,” Rookie running back Jacob Saylors said, standing in front of a large interactive media center decked out with video screens and touch-pad controls.
Saylors came in with a lot of confidence.
“I’m an engineering major, so I should do pretty good, I don’t know,” the Eastern Tennessee State University star said.
The players’ visit gave them a taste of what Army life is like.
From the mobile Adventure Experience, Saylors group moved outside to the kennel area where Saylors put on some pads. Not football pads, however, but a full body suit and helmet to see if he could outrun a Military Working Dog.
“I don’t go down easy! Usually it takes two or three of them!” Saylors said, grinning through his sturdy caged helmet.
At every demonstration, Fort Knox soldiers were grateful for the opportunity to meet the players and vice versa.
“It’s good to be able to give back to the teams that helped us build a bond over our time in the Military. It brings us all together,” Staff Sergeant Bret Ashabranner said.
Then the day got a little louder as the team moved on to the gun range for rifle training and target practice. After a safety briefing, each Bengal was paired with a solider and a rifle to test their aim.
“It’s great to be able to come down and expand our fan base and then be able to support them as much as they support us over the years, getting a chance to come out here and see this demonstration, I think the guys have really enjoyed it. It gives them a little bit of enlightenment on what their daily schedule is like verse what we do as well,” said Eric Ball, Bengals Director of Player Engagement.
The soldiers on hand say they were having as much fun hosting the team as the players were getting a rundown on what it might feel like to be like serving in uniform. Following the skills training, the players joined residents of the post for a “Military Family Picnic.”
