Class Act: College Football Referee Pauses Penalty Call To Salute Veterans During Bowl Game

Referee Rory Bernard paused the Celebration Bowl to honor veterans with a salute./Image: Video screenshot @DraftKings
While the Army-Navy game garnered most of the national attention on football, another game featured a touching, unexpected honor for our military Veterans.
At the Celebration Bowl in Atlanta, Jackson State University (JSU) took on South Carolina State.
After JSU’s Travis Terrell Jr. returned a punt return 81 yards for a touchdown, there was a flag on the play.
Referee Rory Bernard, however, did more than just announce the penalty.
Before announcing the call, Bernard stopped and honored our veterans with a salute.
As his mic came on for the first time, he stated, “I’d like to salute our military veterans.”

Today’s Celebration Bowl referee, Rory Bernard, saluted the military & veterans before calling the first penalty of the game pic.twitter.com/0UYvn0lqgf
— DraftKings (@DraftKings) December 14, 2024

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The touching gesture garnered praise on social media.

SO much respect for Rory Bernard, who saluted military veterans during today’s @CelebrationBowl, before announcing a 15-yard unnecessary roughness penalty against @jacksonstatefb. You’re the real MVP on the field, Sir! #CelebrationBowl #collegegameday #CollegeFootball #collegetwt… https://t.co/2jWfDnKDUP
— Jonathan Jones (@jdjonesofficial) December 14, 2024

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Class act by Rory Bernard! Saluting the military and veterans before the game sets the tone for a great celebration.
— WAIGER (@waigerHQ) December 14, 2024

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“Rory Bernard: redefining penalty calls with a side of patriotism! Why just throw flags when you can throw in a salute too? Cue the NFL refs scrambling for new ways to spice up their penalty announcements. #CelebrationBowl #SaluteToService – Who knew zebra stripes came with a…
— Intermix ForYou (@IntermixForYou) December 14, 2024

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While it is unclear if Bernard has any military service himself, his crisp salute was noted.

He might’ve worn the uniform himself Either way, it was Crisp, Quick, & Professional! Referee Rory Bernard! Well done, sir! https://t.co/ZyOriXqodX
— Brown Girl (@SpokenButterfly) December 14, 2024

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