News

World War II Hero Hershel W. Williams Does Super Bowl LII Coin Toss [PHOTOS]

World War II hero Hershel “Woody” Williams served as Super Bowl LII’s “Honorary Captain” on Sunday.

Super Bowl LII coin toss news

The 94-year-old decorated Marine, who won the Medal of Honor in 1945, stood at the 50-yard line amid a group of Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots players at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.

When the referee announced his name, a deafening applause from the Eagles-dominated crowd ensued.

Williams flipped the coin to determine which tea would kickoff and which would receive. The heads side of the coin included the Lombardi Trophy and the tails featured both NFL teams’ logos.

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!

A week of sports news in your in-box.
We find the sports news you need to know, so you don't have to.

“The honor is yours,” said referee Gene Steratore.

Philadelphia called tails. It landed on heads.

Among those who snapped a photo with Williams was CNN anchor and lifelong Eagles fan Jake Tapper:

Williams is the last living solider to receive the nation’s highest honor for valor from serving in the Pacific Theater during World War II.

While speaking with a local television station in his native West Virginia, Williams said he was looking forward to the toss. When asked if he had been practicing coin-flips, the war vet added, “We’ve done that all of our life. Heads I win, tails you lose.”

He also said he hoped his coin toss would inspire unity in the country.

Williams went beyond the call of duty during the Battle of Iwo Jima, where he reportedly used a flamethrower to destroy pillboxes, or dug-in guard posts, made of concrete. He also won a Purple Heart, among other honors.

Besides Williams, 14 other veterans who received the prestigious Medal of Honor were honored at Super Bowl LII.

 

Like
Like Love Haha Wow Sad Angry
Pablo Mena

Writer and assistant editor for usports.org. NY Giants and Rangers fan. Film and TV enthusiast (especially Harry Potter and The Office) and lover of foreign languages and cultures.

Recent Posts

After Giants Snag John Harbaugh, Who Will He Hire For Coaching Staff?

The New York Giants have ended their coaching search and have settled on a former…

18 hours ago

Ja Morant’s Future With Grizzlies In Deep Doubt

Ja Morant’s future with the Memphis Grizzlies remains in doubt. Morant was hopeful that he…

18 hours ago

After Bruising Reputation With Giants, Brian Daboll To Interview For Titans Head Coaching Job

Former Coach of the Year winner and New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll has…

2 days ago

Seahawks’ Sam Darnold Expects To Play Saturday Despite Oblique Injury

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold's status for the NFC divisional round was in doubt after…

2 days ago

Star Wide Receiver Nico Collins Suffers Concussion In Texans 30-6 Wildcard Win Over Steelers

The Houston Texans picked up a massive round one playoff win on the road, but…

3 days ago

Aaron Rodgers Storms Out Of Press Conference After What Could Be His Final Game

Aaron Rodgers abruptly ended his postgame press conference after being asked about Pittsburgh Steelers head…

3 days ago