teams4taps 2022 Replay

Author: TAPS

Thanks to the generosity and hospitality of sports organizations across the country and the United Kingdom, TAPS helped surviving families honor their heroes and make incredible memories alongside their favorite athletes and teams. Take a look at some of our favorite teams4taps moments from 2022.


TAPS Survivors at San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers created a special experience for a TAPS family at their November 13 Salute to Service game, which included a sideline meet-and-greed with tight end George Kittle, a good friend and long-time TAPS supporter.

 

Atlanta United Salute to Service

As part of Atlanta United's 2022 Mission: TAPS program, TAPS families were hosted at their August 6 Military Appreciation game as part of Salute Our Troops. Survivors took part in the pregame flag ceremony, and their fallen heroes were honored by the team at halftime.

 

Pittsburgh Steelers mascot, Steely McBeam, poses with surviving family

Pittsburgh Steelers mascot, Steely McBeam, poses with surviving family members of LCDR Louis Balot. The Steelers hosted TAPS families at their training camp on August 18.

 

Surviving mother and bonus dad of PO2 Anthony Michael Dillard, Jr.

Surviving mother and bonus dad of PO2 Anthony Michael Dillard, Jr. received a personalized football honoring their son prior to kickoff at the November 14 Philadelphia Eagles game.

 

TAPS families navigate through the corn fields

"If you build it..." TAPS families navigate through the corn fields surrounding the Field of Dreams in Dyersville, Iowa during the MLB Field of Dreams game on August 11.

 

Atlanta Braves and TAPS families

As part of their May 28 Military Appreciation game, the Atlanta Braves invited TAPS families to Truist Park where players Tyler Matzek, Luke Jackson, and Will Smith spent time with survivors before the game.

 

New England Patriots Salute to Service

TAPS families are warmly welcomed by New England Patriots Owner, Robert Kraft, at their November 6 Salute to Service game. During the game, Patriots players wore the initials of the TAPS families' fallen heroes on their helmets.

 

A young TAPS survivor watches as the Aberdeen Ironbirds

"Take me out to the ballgame!" A young TAPS survivor watches as the Aberdeen Ironbirds take on the Winston-Salem Dash on July 1.

 

Jeffries family at NBA All Star Game

Prior to tipoff, the Jeffries family, honoring LCpl Blake Edward Jeffries, gathers for a photo at the February 18 NBA All-Star Game in Cleveland, Ohio.

 

Cleveland Guardian pitcher, Shane Bieber with TAPS Families

Cleveland Guardian pitcher, Shane Bieber, chats with Mia and Ashton Green, the surviving niece and nephew of SGT Larry Kuhns, Jr. during the May 30 visit to Progressive Field. Terry Francona and the Guardians hosted and honored TAPS families for their Memorial Day game.

 

TAPS kids at MLB All-Star Clinic at Play Ball Park

TAPS kids take a timeout during their MLB All-Star Clinic at Play Ball Park on July 17. The MLB hosted TAPS families at their 2022 MLB All-Star Week in Los Angeles, California for a TAPS Kids Clinic, the MLB 2022 Draft, and the MLB All-Star Home Run Derby.

 

D’Andre Swift of the Detroit Lions hugs Kathleen Johnson

D'Andre Swift of the Detroit Lions hugs Kathleen Johnson, surviving mother of SSG Natalie Barajas during practice on November 5. The Lions organization welcomed TAPS families to attend practice and their November 6 game versus the Green Bay Packers.

 

Atlanta Falcons game versus the Carolina Panthers

The surviving parents of Capt. Jeffrey Braden stand for the presentation of the colors and the national anthem before the November 10 Atlanta Falcons game versus the Carolina Panthers. The Falcons generously hosted eight TAPS families for an incredible four-day, one-of-a-kind Salute to Service road trip.

 

TAPS 2022 Young Adults Summit

Hosted at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia in partnership with the NFL, the TAPS 2022 Young Adults Summit provided personal-development activities, elevated learning experiences, service projects, community building, and more.

 

TAPS families huddle up during a visit to the Dallas Cowboys

TAPS families huddle up during a visit to the Dallas Cowboys training facility on November 30 where they received a VIP tour and a chance to see the team practice.

 

the national anthem before the Orlando Magic game

TAPS families are recognized and their fallen heroes are honored during the national anthem before the Orlando Magic game on November 9.

 

TAPS Families at Arizona Diamondbacks game

Three TAPS families are honored at Chase Field before the Arizona Diamondbacks game on Memorial Day.

 

National Basketball Association welcomed TAPS families for the 2022 draft

The NBA welcomed TAPS families for the 2022 draft on June 23 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

 

TAPS families enjoy a Washington Capitals game

TAPS families enjoy a Washington Capitals game on March 15 versus the New York Islanders on Military Night.

 

TAPS families take to the court at the 2022 U.S. Open

TAPS families take to the court at the 2022 U.S. Open during a unique opportunity to play on the same court as tennis greats!

 

New York Knicks forward, Julius Randle, visits with TAPS families

As part of the NBA Referee Experience in Salt Lake City, Utah, New York Knicks forward, Julius Randle, visits with TAPS families before the November 14 game against the Utah Jazz. NBA Referees host TAPS survivors for special behind-the-scenes experiences before the game — which sometimes includes a player meet-and-greet!

 

Share Your Story

Did your fallen hero have a special connection to a sports team, player, or league?

We want to hear about it!

Please share your story and photos with us by emailing teams4taps@taps.org or by submitting an online form.


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