Armed Forces Bowl parachutist tangled in goalpost in terrifying incident before star rushed to hospital in neck brace

Jan 3, 2026 - 11:00

The Armed Forces Bowl between Rice and Texas State witnessed two scary scenes on Friday.

During the college football pregame festivities at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas, things to a dark turn when one of the parachutists taking part in a ceremonial jump got entangled in the cable that was hoisting up the field-goal netting.

Lincoln Pare #7 of the Texas State Bobcats is tackled by Andrew Awe #0 of the Rice Owls during the first half of the 2026 Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl at Amon G. Carter Stadium on January 02, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas — The Armed Forces Bowl between Rice and Texas State was not short of drama

A video surfacing on social media showed the parachutist descending onto the field with a U.S. Navy flag before getting caught up

After remaining suspended mid-air above the end zone for a few seconds, the stricken skydiver fell an estimated 30-35 feet down to the ground in the grassy area between the field and the spectators.

There were five parachutists, known as the All Veteran Group, involved in the demonstration, according to officials.

However, reports indicated that only three landed safely in the intended location of the field, with another touching down outside of the stadium entirely.

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The parachutist who got entangled in the cable of the field-goal netting was reported to have sustained no serious injuries, and was able to stand up and walk off of the field under his own power, per the Houston Chronicle.

According to a report from The Athletic, spokesman Drew Harris blamed high winds for the incident which unfolded.

“He got up, grabbed his parachute and walked off,” Harris said.

The National Weather Service reported 12mph winds in Fort Worth at the time of the incident.

Game brought to a halt in third quarter

Whilst there was no interruption to kickoff between the Owls and the Bobcats, things once again took a scary turn in the third quarter of the contest.

Owls star Daveon Hook suffered a terrifying head injury which left him needing urgent medical attention.

Daveon Hook #29 of the Rice Owls lies on the ground with an injury during the second half against the Texas State Bobcats in the 2026 Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl at Amon G. Carter Stadium — Owls S Daveon Hook suffered a horrific head injury in the 3rd quarter after a brutal hit

Daveon Hook #29 of the Rice Owls is carted off the field with an injury during the second half against the Texas State Bobcats in the 2026 Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl at Amon G. Carter Stadium — Daveon Hook was transported off the field on a stretcher and to hospital

ESPN, who were broadcasting the game, caught the scary moment of impact on their cameras, which showed the Owls safety on the end of a brutal tackle in the head and neck area.

Footage showed Hook lying stricken on the ground following the hit, where he readjusted his helmet slightly as medical staff quickly rushed onto the field to assess him.

They attended to him for approximately 10 minutes before the senior was loaded onto a stretcher and carted off the field to hospital.

He finished the game with two tackles as Texas State cruised to a 41-10 victory, with Bobcats quarterback Brad Jackson completing 16-of-23 passes for 166 yards and three touchdowns.

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