Cleveland, OH

Former Commanders QB Honors Military Heroes Ahead of Army-Navy Game

Published

1 year ago

December 12, 2024

Former Commanders QB Honors Military Heroes Ahead of Army-Navy Game

As the Washington Commanders head south to face the New Orleans Saints in Week 14, Northwest Stadium will still see some football action. For only the second time in its 125-year history, the Army-Navy game has returned to the nation’s capital.

Ahead of the game, USAA and the Elizabeth Dole Foundation have teamed up to host “USAA’s Heroes Huddle at the Army-Navy Game,” with support from a Commanders legend, Robert Griffin III. This event celebrates the iconic Army-Navy rivalry while shining a spotlight on the often-overlooked heroes of the military community: their families.

The Washington Commanders, who have embraced unity and purpose this season, reflect the same camaraderie often seen in military families. Former Washington quarterback Robert Griffin III (RGIII) drew on this connection.

Aug 13, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) looks to pass during the first quarter of preseason NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-Imagn Images / Andrew Weber-Imagn Images

“For the Commanders, football is like the closest thing we get to our military, right? We’ve often heard guys describe the football field as a battlefield, and while it’s really not—because it’s not life or death in the same sense—the closer-knit you are as a group, the easier it is to go out and execute your mission,” he shared.

RGIII also praised the Commanders resilience during a tough stretch of games, crediting quarterback Jayden Daniels and the team’s collective effort.

“That locker room said, ‘Enough of this. We’re gonna go out and execute, get a win, go into the bye, and be ready to roll for this playoff push.’ And to me, that’s a sign of a team that understands the assignment. It’s not just about playing hard; it’s about getting the job done and being there for each other,” he said.

Beyond football, RGIII has maintained strong ties with the Commanders community and the D.C. area, making a significant impact at events like USSA’s Heroes Huddle. Reflecting on his recent recognition as the Commanders Legend of the Week during Week 12 against the Dallas Cowboys, he expressed deep gratitude.

“Massive thank you to Josh Harris and the ownership group for welcoming me back,” RGIII said. “This place changed my life forever, and I want to continue coming back to change lives. Being part of events like this is humbling because you know you’ve made an impact.”

Set against the backdrop of Northwest Stadium, the Heroes Huddle also highlights the contributions of young military family members, known as hidden helpers, whose efforts often go unnoticed.

Stephen Saunders, Chief Development Officer at the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, emphasized the importance of the event. “We always want to work with sports superstars and other star power because it helps bring attention to what we’re doing,” Saunders said.

“Especially around hidden helpers and the kids who are doing so much. This is such a great feat for them, and I think it also brings some good attention to that part of the population and those kids who are serving it every day.”

General John Richardson, USAA’s head of Military Affairs, elaborated on the broader mission of the initiative. “USAA with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation wants to acknowledge and recognize the hidden heroes of the military community, which are the families. This is an opportunity to acknowledge their sacrifices and thank them for the service that they provide,” he said.

As the Commanders head into the final stretch of their season, their unity and determination echo the spirit of the military community they honor so often. From Northwest Stadium to New Orleans and beyond, it’s a powerful reminder for fans, players, and legends alike of the unity that drives success—whether on the football field or in service to the nation.

Stick with CommanderGameday and the Locked On Commanders podcast for more FREE coverage of the Washington Commanders throughout the 2024 season.

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• Potential Commanders’ Target Leaving Ohio State for NFL Draft

• What Dan Quinn Needs to See From Marshon Lattimore Before Commanders-Saints

• Eagles Win, Grow NFC East Lead Over Commanders

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Cleveland, OH

Iran strikes spark debate among Northeast Ohio residents

Published

6 hours ago

March 2, 2026

Press Room

Iran strikes spark debate among Northeast Ohio residents

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – The Cleveland Liberation Center and nearly 100 other organizations rallied in Cleveland Sunday to protest the U.S. strikes on Iran, demonstrating significant grassroots opposition to the military action.

The recent U.S. military strikes on Iran and the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, have ignited passionate discussions across the nation, and Northeast Ohio is no exception.

While state political leaders express support for President Donald Trump’s actions, local activists are raising urgent questions about the impact on American communities.

Dallas Eckman, a public school teacher and volunteer coordinator with the Cleveland Liberation Center, is taking a clear stance against the recent attacks.

“We need to step up as Americans and say violence is not going to be the way we solve out world’s problems,” Eckman said.

The frustration runs deeper for Eckman, who sees a disconnect between military spending and domestic priorities.

“It’s absurd that for me as a public-school teacher I am struggling to get funding for chrome books and books. I can wake up one morning and see we have spent millions and millions of dollars to bomb another country,” he explained.

Eckman questions whether these military actions actually benefit working people in Cleveland.

“Which does nothing for the working people here in Cleveland. It does nothing to make my schools safer. It does nothing to improve the road right outside the liberation center,” Eckman said.

Eckman’s concerns are shared by many in the region.

Despite local opposition, several Ohio’s political leaders are backing the Trump administration’s decision.

Senator Bernie Moreno released a statement expressing his support, stating, “President Trump sought for months to avoid conflict and negotiate with Iran to prevent them from rebuilding their nuclear program. I fully support his decision.”

Secretary of State John Husted also voiced his approval.

“For 47 years, the Iranian regime had ample opportunity to be a productive member of the global community — instead, it chose to export death, terrorism, extremism, and instability against America and our allies,” Husted said.

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Cleveland, OH

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Brooklyn Nets prediction, pick for Sunday 3/1/26

Published

18 hours ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Brooklyn Nets prediction, pick for Sunday 3/1/26

Cooper Albers takes you through his preview, prediction and pick for Sunday’s NBA matchup between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Brooklyn Nets.

Eastern Conference rivals close their regular-season series on Sunday, as the Brooklyn Nets host the Cleveland Cavaliers at Barclays Center.

The Cavaliers (37–24, 4th East) have dropped back-to-back games without Donovan Mitchell and James Harden, albeit against far superior competition. They’ll aim for the three-game sweep of Brooklyn without Mitchell, while Harden remains questionable.

The Nets (15–44, 14th East) are mired in a brutal seven-game losing streak, including a 112–84 thumping in Cleveland on February 19.

Here’s a look at the Injury Report:

Cleveland Cavaliers

Out: Donovan Mitchell (Groin), Max Strus (Foot), Dean Wade (Ankle)
Questionable: James Harden (Thumb), Keon Ellis (Finger)

Brooklyn Nets

Out: Egor Demin (Heel), Drake Powell (G-League Assignment)
Questionable: Nic Claxton (Thumb)

Tipoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET. Cleveland enters as a hefty 11.5-point road favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook, while Brooklyn sits as a +410 underdog. The game’s total is set at 222.5 points.

Cavaliers vs. Nets Preview

Cleveland Cavaliers Preview

The Cavaliers went all in at the NBA trade deadline, sending Darius Garland to Los Angeles for superstar guard James Harden. The gamble seemingly paid off, as the former MVP has fit seamlessly into the lineup alongside Donovan Mitchell. Cleveland went 6–1 after Harden’s debut, its lone loss coming against the defending champs in Oklahoma City.

But the momentum quickly stalled when both Harden and Mitchell hit the sidelines to nurse injuries. Cleveland has dropped back-to-back games in the star duo’s absence against Milwaukee and Detroit. And while Harden is listed as questionable for Sunday’s contest with a thumb fracture in his non-shooting hand, Mitchell remains out with a groin strain.

The Cavs are just 2–4 without Mitchell this season. If Harden stays out, they’ll likely keep relying on their accomplished frontcourt of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Cleveland also features a solid veteran backup point guard in Dennis Schroder, along with a reliable sharpshooter in Sam Merrill.

Brooklyn Nets Preview

Brooklyn has won five games in 2026. Five.

Were any of these wins particularly impressive? Hardly. They beat a Nikola Jokic-less Denver Nuggets, the spiraling Chicago Bulls twice, the lowly Washington Wizards, and the tanking Utah Jazz.

The Nets rank dead last on both ends of the floor since January 1, disappointing even by their standards. They’ve lost seven games in a row, punctuated by a 37-point walloping in Boston on Friday night.

Michael Porter Jr. will continue trying to carry an increasingly strained offense without rookie standout Egor Demin. Brooklyn will also lean on its burgeoning frontcourt, comprising Noah Clowney and Nic Claxton (questionable).

Cavaliers vs. Nets Pick, Best Bet

Keep an eye on the injury report for this one. If Harden remains sidelined, Cleveland may lack the offensive firepower to pull away. But if the former MVP suits up, expect him and the Cavs to carve up Brooklyn’s porous defense and comfortably cover the 11.5-point spread.