The American Bowl delivered more than a premier college all-star football showcase — it created a powerful platform for leadership, service, and professional growth through its partnership with Soldiers To Sidelines. Broadcast live on NFL Network, the game drew national attention, with all 32 NFL teams present to scout elite college talent competing on one of football’s biggest postseason stages.
What truly set the event apart was the integration of 12 Soldier Coaches, selected through Soldiers To Sidelines, who earned a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to coach alongside and learn directly from some of the most respected minds in football. The Soldier Coaches — Bill Prosko, Felicia Teeter, Kris Alvarez, Roger Wright-Lester, Derek Brown, Terrance Gant, Marlando Stiles, Kenny Stepp, Maurice Allen, Craig Mulligan, Derrick Draper, and Kyle Kettinger — brought military leadership, discipline, and resilience to the sidelines while gaining invaluable exposure to the highest levels of the game.
In addition to game day responsibilities, the Soldier Coaches were fully embedded in the American Bowl experience for an entire week. They coached every practice, assisted with daily football operations, and participated in all team meetings alongside NFL staff and players. This immersive environment allowed the veterans to gain firsthand exposure to professional-level preparation, communication, and execution. The opportunity for these select Soldier Coaches was made possible through the generous support of Vehicles For Veterans, whose funding ensured that each participant could fully engage in this transformational experience without barriers. By investing in veteran development, Vehicles For Veterans helped extend the impact of the American Bowl beyond the field and into communities across the country.
Under the guidance of legendary NFL coaches Brian Billick, Super Bowl XXXV champion and former Baltimore Ravens head coach, and Mike Smith, former Atlanta Falcons head coach and AP Coach of the Year, the Soldier Coaches were immersed in elite-level game preparation, player evaluation, practice planning, and in-game decision-making. This hands-on mentorship provided insights rarely accessible outside professional football circles.
Beyond the field, the experience equips these veterans to expand their impact in the communities they serve — whether coaching youth, high school, or collegiate athletes. The lessons learned at the American Bowl will ripple outward, shaping future players, strengthening local programs, and reinforcing leadership values rooted in both service and sport.
The American Bowl and Soldiers To Sidelines partnership stands as a powerful example of how football can honor service, create opportunity, and build lasting legacy — long after the final whistle blows.
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